Messi Retires From International Football at 39

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing a definitive end to his 21-year career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old forward confirmed the decision in an emotional statement posted on Instagram on Monday, August 31, 2026, more than a month after leading Argentina to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi revealed that he had written the farewell message on July 21, just two days after Argentina's 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. He stated that the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8 at the age of 68, solidified his resolve. "I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced of this decision than before," Messi wrote.

In his statement, Messi expressed deep emotion about the decision, saying it was one that "hurt and still hurts deep inside." He emphasized that he had always given his all for the national team, both during the recent period of success and in the years before. "I swear I always gave everything, not only in these last few years when we won everything,...