CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: Argentina’s legendary footballer and captain Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. The 39-year-old Messi shared an emotional message on social media, saying the time had come to bid farewell to Argentina’s national team.
Messi said he had decided to retire two days after the defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, but made the decision public later. Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. That match proved to be Messi’s last with the national team.
Messi scored 125 goals in 207 matches for Argentina and is the country’s most-capped player as well as its all-time leading scorer. He helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022. Under his captaincy, the team also won the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
In his message, Messi said he had always given his best for the national team jersey and that young players should now get the opportunity to come forward. He also expressed love and pride for Argentina’s supporters.
Messi’s international career lasted nearly 21 years. He made his debut for Argentina in 2005 and took part in six World Cups. The 2022 World Cup remained one of the biggest achievements of his career. However, with defeat in the 2026 World Cup final, his international journey reached an emotional end.
Messi, however, has not retired from football completely. He will continue to play at club level for Inter Miami.
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