Argentina legend Lionel Messi retires from international football
Al Jazeera · LC · trust 33/100
play Live Sign up Show navigation menu Navigation menu News Show more news sections Africa Asia US & Canada Latin America Europe Asia Pacific Middle East Explained Sport Opinion Video More Show more sections Features Economy Human Rights Climate Crisis Investigations Interactives In Pictures Science & Technology Podcasts Travel Sponsored Content play Live Click here to search search Sign up Sport | Football Argentina legend Lionel Messi retires from international football Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, but his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after losing the 2026 World Cup final [File: Agustin Marcarian/Reuters] By Reuters Published On 31 Aug 2026 31 Aug 2026 Lionel Messi says he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.
“It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deep in my soul but I understand that it is the right time,” Messi, 39, wrote on Instagram on Monday.
“I swear I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before that too, and I always fought and gave my all for this shirt,” he added.
Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory by winning the 2022 final against France in a penalty shootout in Doha, Qatar, but his side lost 1-0 to Spain in the 2026 final.
After the death of his father, Jorge, in August, Messi had said he had “serious doubts” about continuing to play football of any sort for “much longer”.
Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season.
Read the original at Al Jazeera →
Open in TruthVane →