Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football
At a glance
- Lionel Messi, 39, has retired from international football with Argentina.
- The announcement followed Argentina's 1-0 loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
- Messi recently expressed doubts about his career following the death of his father in August.
Story so far
At age 39, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. The announcement was made on Instagram after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain. Messi retires as his country's most-capped player and all-time top scorer, having led the team to victories in the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America tournaments.
Latest development
In his retirement announcement, Lionel Messi said the decision "hurt deep in my soul". The announcement follows recent comments where he expressed "serious doubts" about his career's longevity after the death of his father, Jorge, in August. His club contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028.
Latest updates
In his announcement, Lionel Messi described the decision as one that "hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time."
The move comes after Messi had previously expressed doubts about his career's longevity. Following the death of his father, Jorge, in August, Messi had stated he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football for “much longer”.
While his international career has concluded, his club career continues. Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Sources and updates
Messi says retiring from international football
MIAMI: Lionel Messi said on Monday he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July. “It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right t
Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to International Football at 39
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, bringing an end to an illustrious…
لیونل میسی نے انٹرنیشنل فٹبال سے ریٹائرمنٹ کا اعلان کردیا
دُنیائے فٹبال کے عظیم کھلاڑی لیونل میسی نے بین الاقوامی فٹبال سے ریٹائرمنٹ کا اعلان کردیا۔
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