Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar in 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain. "It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deeply – but I understand that the time has come," Messi said on his official Instagram account.

Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina just weeks after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. He…

He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team.

Messi has called time on his Argentina career after defeat to Spain in July’s World Cup final