Argentina great Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

Messi, aged 39, who led Argentina to this summer’s World Cup final; leaves as the country’s most-capped and highest-scoring player.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who captained his country to the World Cup in 2022, showed his enduring quality as he again led them 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.

He retires having won every possible competition in international football, after twice winning the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, lifting the World Cup in Qatar and captaining Argentina to victory in the inaugural Finalissima in 2022.

Messi had hinted at his impending retirement during an emotional post on social media following the death of his father, Jorge earlier in August.