Messi Retires From Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, announced his retirement from the Argentine national team on Monday, August 31, 2026, bringing a definitive end to a legendary international career that spanned over two decades. The 39-year-old forward confirmed the decision in an Instagram post, stating he had nothing left to give after leading Argentina to three major titles, including the 2022 World Cup. Messi's announcement came just over a month after Argentina's heartbreaking 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, held on July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. In his post, Messi revealed that the decision was initially made two days after that defeat, on July 21, but was only made public now. He cited the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, 2026, in their hometown of Rosario, as a factor that cemented his resolve. "Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before," he wrote.