Messi retires from international football
Sports
August 31, 2026
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Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, bringing the curtain down on one of the most remarkable careers in the history of the game.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain announced his decision on Monday in an emotional statement posted to Instagram, weeks after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi said he had initially written the farewell message shortly after the World Cup final but that the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, further confirmed his decision to step away from the national team.
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