Lionel Messi retires from international football aged 39 as Argentina's most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer
Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football aged 39, after leading Argentina to this summer's World Cup final; Messi leaves as Argentina's most-capped and highest-scoring player, and said passing of father Jorge on August 8 had made him "more convinced" to retire
Monday 31 August 2026 16:24, UK
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football aged 39.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who won the World Cup in 2022, showed his enduring quality as he captained Argentina to the final of the World Cup this summer but 21 years on from his first appearance he has called time on his international career, leaving a record-breaking legacy of 125 goals from 207 games.
No Argentine has played or scored more for their country.
Messi had hinted at his impending retirement during an emotional post on social media following the death of his father, Jorge earlier in August.
He has now confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram, which he said he had originally written on July 21 - two days after the final - and added: "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before."
More to follow...
