Farewell to Argentina’s greatest No. 10: Lionel Messi retires from international football after 21-year career

BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi, the Rosario-born Argentina captain who led his country to the 2022 World Cup title and the 2026 World Cup final, has retired from international football. Messi announced his decision on social media on Monday, bringing an end to a remarkable 21-year international career that took him from a gifted youngster in Rosario to the captain who delivered Argentina’s long-awaited World Cup triumph.

As Argentina’s captain, Messi led his country through some of the most significant moments of its recent football history. After years of major defeats and criticism, he guided Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, before leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. Argentina lost that final 1-0 to Spain in extra time, with the defeat marking Messi’s final appearance for his country.

Messi finishes his Argentina career with 207 appearances and 125 goals, both national records. His honours with Argentina include the 2008 Olympic gold medal, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup. He also captained Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final before eventually lifting the trophy in Qatar eight years later.

For years, Messi was at the heart of Argentina’s attack, playing a central role as the team competed at major international tournaments. His journey with the national team was marked by major defeats and criticism before culminating in a period of remarkable success.

The 2021 Copa América triumph, followed by the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and another Copa América title in 2024, transformed the final chapter of Messi’s Argentina career. Even in 2026, at the age of 39, he led his country to another World Cup final before finally bringing his international journey to a close.

His departure marks the end of an era for Argentina. For more than two decades, the national team’s attack featured Messi’s vision, creativity and ability to influence matches at the highest level.

Now, after 207 appearances, 125 goals and a career that brought Argentina some of its most coveted international trophies, the country’s greatest star walks away from the national team.