Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina National Team After 20 Years
E! News · 2026-08-31
Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from the Argentina National Team after a 20-year international career that included six World Cup appearances. The 39-year-old soccer star shared his decision in an August 31 Instagram post, stating that while it "hurt—and still hurts deep down," he understands that "the time has come" and he has "nothing left to give." Messi expressed pride in his accomplishments with the team, despite a recent loss to Spain in the World Cup final, and confirmed he will continue to play for Inter Miami CF. He plans to cheer for Argentina from the stands in the 2030 World Cup, noting that his father's recent death further solidified his decision, which he had been planning since days after the last World Cup final.