Lionel Messi Retires From International Football at Age 39
Lionel Messi has ended his career with the Argentine national team at 39 years old, concluding a nearly two-decade international run that spanned six World Cups. The Inter Miami forward confirmed the departure on his official Instagram account following a career highlighted by a World Cup victory in Qatar 2022 and a 2026 tournament final appearance against Spain.
The decision brings a definitive close to an era for Argentine football, ending a tenure that began nearly twenty years ago. “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deeply – but I understand that the time has come,” Messi stated on his official Instagram account.
Across six World Cup campaigns, the forward established a dominant footprint in international sport. He anchored the squad that claimed the global trophy in Qatar in 2022, and subsequently led the team to the final in 2026 where Argentina fell to Spain.
