Lionel Messi says he’s retiring from playing for Argentina

PUBLISHED Aug 31, 2026, 12:34 PM ET

Lionel Messi announced Monday that he is retiring from Argentina’s national team, ending a 20-year international career after the 2026 World Cup. The 39-year-old captain made the announcement on Instagram, saying the decision was painful but that the time had come. Messi’s final appearance came in Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. FIFA records show Messi finished with a record-setting 34 total World Cup appearances across six tournaments. He leaves Argentina internationally as its all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. Messi won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima. He said he wrote his retirement message July 21, but delayed publication after his father, Jorge Messi, died Aug. 8. Messi remains an Inter Miami player and scored four goals against CF Montréal on Aug. 30.

By James Porter | JQJO News

Explain Framing

Left: Left framing emphasizes legacy, representation, emotion, and Argentina’s generational transition. Center: Center framing emphasizes retirement, records, timing, and continued club career. Right: Right framing emphasizes responsibility, national pride, and traditional sporting legacy.