Lionel Messi retires: 5 milestones that defined the Argentinian captain's international career

After more than two decades, Lionel Messi is bringing his highly decorated international career to an end.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, ending 21 years of national-team duty that were capped by winning the World Cup in 2022 to secure his place in the pantheon of the game's greatest ever players. "It was a decision that hurt --

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP) -- Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, ending 21 years of nati

Argentina captain Lionel Messi retires from international football.

Argentina captain Lionel Messi retires from international football.

Argentinian footballer Lionel Messi announces his retirement

Messi announced his international retirement on Monday after two decades with Argentina's national team, a tenure headlined by a World Cup title in 2022

Mark Chapman is joined by Chris Sutton, Stephen Warnock and Rory Smith.

Aug 31 : Argentina's Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday.The following are quotes and reactions:CLAUDIO TAPIA, ARGENTINE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT "The captain of our dreams. That kid, 'La Pulga', that alien who made possible what so often seemed impossible... You are already

Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina just weeks after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. He leaves as the nation’s record appearance holder and top scorer.

The Atomic Flea and Inter Miami will take on the Red Bulls in New Jersey on Oct. 24.

After 21 years, Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international soccer, representing Argentina, finishing as a World Cup champion and scoring 125 goals.

The superstar's Argentina jersey is likely going to become one of the most collectible jerseys in all of sports

The Argentine’s career with Argentina was singular, and his exit is a reminder that all good things come to an end It was among the defining moments of the 2026 World Cup: Argentina captain Lionel Messi standing arms akimbo, looking up towards Argentina’s most fervent supporters after losing the World Cup final. Tears

August 31, 2026 2:39 PM ET All good things must come to an end.And sadly, the legendary Lionel Messi announced Monday that he is retiring from international soccer.In a post on Instagram that showed a notebook entry written in Spanish, Messi confirmed his retirement from the Argentina national team at the age of 39. (R

A look back at some of the moments that defined Messi's career with his country. Leer más

Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals  Toronto Star

Argentina star Lionel Messi retires from international soccer with World Cup title and 125 goals  AP News

Lionel Messi retires from international football after posting emotional statement  GB News

Here's what Messi said in his international retirement statement.

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, ending 21 years of national-team duty that were capped by winning the World Cup in 2022 to secure his place in the pantheon of the game's greatest ever players.

Superstar says he planned move two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in July World Cup final

Messi Retires From the National Team: Who Will Replace Him?  Forbes

Lionel Messi said on Monday he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.

The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.

The Argentina legend says he has "nothing left to give" to international football

Argentina's Lionel Messi will retire from international soccer, ending a legendary, record-breaking tenure, he announced Monday on Instagram.

Lionel Messi revealed the emotional decision to retire from Argentina's national team after six World Cups and 98 international goals scored.

He ends his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side

Lionel Messi Retires From International Soccer: Legend ‘Hurt’ As He Ends Argentina Career  Sports Illustrated

Argentina's Messi ends international career  Reuters

Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football aged 39.

Argentina legend dazzled throughout summer tournament but finished with a silver medal

The decision comes shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, which prompted the former Barcelona player to consider his future.

'Decision that hurts': Lionel Messi retires from international football  itv.com

Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after two decades representing the national side. Messi, who played in six World Cups, won the tournament in Qatar 2022 and led Argentina to the final in 2026 losing to Spain. He made his debut for the Argentina national team

Argentine great calls time on dazzling career six weeks after World Cup final defeat and the death of his father this month

He made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina.

Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football  lbc.co.uk

Lionel Messi says retiring from international football  Dawn

The announcement comes just weeks after the death of his father Jorge.

Lionel Messi retires from international football after World Cup heartbreak  The Times

Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying it was a decision that "hurt" but he understands "the time has come".

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect.The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the final of last month’s World Cup in New York, but he was unable to prevent his nation losing 1-0 to Spain and it proved to be the final match of his international career.Handed a senior

The Argentina legend, Messi played his final World Cup for Argentina this summer, with his country losing 1-0 in the final to Spain.

Lionel Messi has officially announced his retirement from international football, wrapping up a remarkable chapter in his illustrious career. He described this decision as both difficult and necessary, highlighting the timing as crucial. In his statement, Messi expressed deep appreciation for his fans, noted the signif

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with the Argentina national team.

Messi retires from international football with incredible goal record  talkSPORT

Argentina legend Lionel Messi announces international retirement  ESPN

Messi has called time on his Argentina career after defeat to Spain in July’s World Cup final

Confirming his retirement from international duty on Monday, the Inter Miami star said he realised "the time has come".

Messi broke a 1-1 tie shortly before halftime, added a second goal in the 52nd minute, a third in the 83rd minute, and a fourth on a free kick in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.