BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA / RankWire.AI / – Lionel Messi has ended his international career with Argentina after 21 years at senior level. The 39-year-old leaves with national records for both appearances and goals. Messi played 207 matches for Argentina and scored 125 times. His international career included the 2022 World Cup title and Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024. The retirement closes a defining chapter for Argentina while Messi continues playing club football with Inter Miami.
Messi retires from international football after 21 years representing Argentina. (Credit – FIFA)
Messi announced his decision on August 31, 2026, following Argentina’s run to another World Cup final. Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the championship match in New Jersey. That appearance became Messi’s sixth World Cup tournament. It also marked his third World Cup final after 2014 and 2022. Messi had written his farewell message shortly after the tournament, bringing an end to a national team career that began in 2005.
His years with Argentina included setbacks before a sustained period of major international success. Messi captained the team to the 2021 Copa América title, his first senior international trophy. Argentina followed that success by winning the Finalissima in 2022. Later that year, Messi lifted the World Cup in Qatar after Argentina defeated France in the final. He then helped Argentina retain the Copa América title in 2024 before reaching another World Cup final in 2026.
Messi closes record-breaking Argentina chapter
Messi made his senior debut as an 18-year-old and remained a central figure for more than two decades. He became Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player during that period. His World Cup career included a runner-up finish in Brazil in 2014 and victory in Qatar eight years later. He also earned the World Cup Golden Ball in both tournaments. Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016 before returning and continuing his career with the national team.
The Argentine Football Association recognized Messi’s departure after years in which he served as captain and leading scorer. His international record includes three major senior titles since 2021 and appearances across six World Cups. Messi also collected eight Ballon d’Or awards during a career spanning clubs in Europe and the United States. His final Argentina years brought the major trophies that had previously remained absent from his international record. The 2022 World Cup championship became the centerpiece of that successful run.
Inter Miami career continues after Argentina retirement
Messi’s retirement affects only his international career and does not end his professional playing career. Inter Miami has him under contract through the end of the 2028 Major League Soccer season. He entered retirement from Argentina duty after another notable club performance. Messi scored four goals and added an assist in Miami’s 7-1 victory over CF Montréal on August 29. The match marked his first four-goal regular-season performance in MLS and took him to 18 league goals in 2026.
Argentina now closes the Messi era with a record holder who combined longevity with major tournament success. His 207 appearances stretched from his debut in 2005 to the 2026 World Cup final. Across those years, Messi helped Argentina move from repeated final defeats to titles in South America and on the world stage. He leaves international football as the country’s leading scorer, most-capped player and a World Cup-winning captain. His club career remains active as he continues with Inter Miami.