Millions of football fans all over the world receive shocks as their favourite star, Lionel Messi, bids farewell to international football competition
By Patrick Ogboru
Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football at 39. The announcement came after Messi led Argentina to the summer World Cup final. Messi retired as Argentina’s most-capped and highest-scoring player, and said passing of father Jorge on August 8, 2026 has made him “more convinced” to retire
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 in 2026.
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 retired 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.
He has now confirmed his decision in a statement on Instagram, which he said he had originally written on July 21 – two days after the final – which he said “hurt deeply”, but having been left with “nothing left to give” he added of his decision: “Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”
Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in their second consecutive World Cup final on July 19, with Ferran Torres’ goal in extra time clinching La Roja’s second title.
It was expected to be Messi’s final appearance at the tournament, given he will turn 43 during the next tournament in 2030.
Messi’s father Jorge passed away within weeks of the tournament ending in his hometown of Rosario following a long illness. He had previously acted as his son’s agent.
He said of the final, which his father was unable to attend: “I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t, my legs had nothing left. This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never managed to feel right.
“I am going to miss you a lot, but you will always be present, and especially in the education of my children, because I teach them and educate them as you did with me.
“Rest in peace and take care of us from above like you did here. Thanks for everything. I love you, dad.”
