Lionel Messi retires from Argentina’s national team after 21 years
Messi ends his Argentina career with 125 goals in 207 matches after saying the time had come to step away.
- On Monday, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from Argentina's National Team, stating the decision "hurt" but he understands "the time has come."
- His decision follows the recent loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who served as his agent and career cornerstone, and Argentina's loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
- Messi concludes his career as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances, having captured the World Cup and two Copa titles in 2021 and 2024.
- Thanking Argentine fans, Messi wrote, "I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much," and expressed gratitude, saying "Thank you, God, for making me Argentine."
- Questioning his future in professional football, Messi wrote, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you," expressing uncertainty about continuing his playing career.
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Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team at 39
Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer September 01, 2026 Football legend Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football at the age of 39, ending a remarkable career of more […] The post Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team at 39 appeared first on Philippine Canadian Inquirer.
With Lionel Messi, perhaps the biggest player there was, leaves the stage of the national football team. The 39-year-old will no longer play for Argentina. That's how international media react.
Messi says it 'hurts' as he retires from international football
Lionel Messi said on Monday he was retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July. The 39-year-old forward, who won the World Cup in 2022 and dragged his nation to the final in the United States only to lose to Spain, said the decision had been painful.
Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami), the greatest star of our time, has announced his retirement from the Argentine national team. On the 31st (local time), Messi posted on his social media, stating, "Now that some time has passed since the (World Cup) final, after much deliberation, I would like to announce my retirement."
Messi’s arrival in the U.S. forever changed to Inter Miami. Since July 2023, the club went from being one more on the MLS board to becoming the league’s most valuable franchise.
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