Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina, closing the international chapter of one of the sport's greatest careers, while continuing to play club football for Inter Miami. The decision comes six weeks after Argentina lost 1-0 in extra time to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a defeat Messi described as deeply painful, and follows a period marked by his father's death in August.

Messi, 39, made 207 international appearances for Argentina over 15 years, scoring 125 goals, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo, and led the team to World Cup glory in 2022 as well as back-to-back Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He had previously retired from international duty in 2016 before returning for the 2018 World Cup, and this summer briefly became the tournament's all-time top scorer with 21 goals before Kylian Mbappé overtook him. He remains under contract with Inter Miami, reportedly worth $75 million annually, through the 2028 season.