Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina

He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.

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Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina

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Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.

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NPR Published 31 August 2026

Lionel Messi says he's retiring from playing internationally for Argentina

CBS Published 31 August 2026

Lionel Messi says he is retiring from the Argentina national soccer team

Lionel Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to win the tournament in 2022 in Qatar.

Euronews Published 31 August 2026

Argentina great Lionel Messi announces retirement from international football

The decision comes shortly after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, which prompted the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain player to consider his future.

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