Lionel Messi Retires from International Football After Historic Career

Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, a decision announced on Monday, following Argentina's loss in the World Cup final six weeks prior. His career with the national team includes over 200 appearances across more than 20 years.

Messi's international journey began in 2005 with a debut that ended in a red card against Hungary. He scored his first World Cup goal in 2006 against Serbia and Montenegro. In 2014, he led Argentina to the World Cup final, where they were defeated by Germany. After another Copa America final loss to Chile in 2016, Messi briefly stepped back from international play.

His significant achievements include winning the Copa America in 2021, which marked his first major title with Argentina, followed by a World Cup victory in Qatar. In 2026, at nearly 39 years old, Messi participated in his sixth World Cup, equaling the record, and scored eight goals in five matches as Argentina reached the final.