Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, announced his retirement from international football on 31 August 2026, according to reports — drawing the curtain on a legendary career with the Argentina national team.
As Argentina's captain, Lionel Messi led the nation to the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar — titles that cemented his status as the country's greatest footballing icon, reportedly ending a 19-year international career.
Lionel Messi is Argentina's all-time leading scorer in international football, having represented the Argentina national team since 2005 — a career spanning major tournaments including multiple FIFA World Cups and Copa América editions.
Following his international retirement, Lionel Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami CF in Major League Soccer, according to reports — leaving behind an international legacy that Argentina football is unlikely to see matched for generations.