Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, following Argentina's appearance in the World Cup final in July 2026. The announcement was made on August 31, 2026, via his Instagram account.

Messi, who is 39 years old, expressed that the decision was painful but felt it was the right time to step away. He previously led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup final against France but faced a defeat against Spain in the 2026 final.

His retirement comes shortly after the passing of his father, Jorge, on August 8, 2026, which led Messi to question his future in football. He currently has a contract with Inter Miami that extends until the end of the 2028 season.