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Argentina's forward Lionel Messi walks off the pitch after Spain won the 2026 World Cup at the New York/New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford on July 19, 2026. [Jewel SAMAD / AFP]
Lionel Messi, widely considered the greatest footballer in history, has officially drawn the curtain on his legendary 21-year international career.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain confirmed his departure via a personal social media statement, ending an era that saw La Albiceleste reach the summit of world sports.
Messi’s decision comes roughly six weeks after leading Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, where they narrowly lost 1–0 after extra time to Spain, and three weeks following the tragic passing of his father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi.
