Top News

Lionel Messi has formally confirmed his retirement from international football at the age of 39 after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The iconic forward announced the decision on social media, and his wife Antonela Roccuzzo responded with an emotional tribute celebrating everything he achieved for his country.

End of an era for Argentina

Messi has now officially brought down the curtain on his international career. The legendary 39-year-old forward confirmed the news on Monday through an Instagram post, in which he shared an image of a handwritten notebook message in Spanish. The announcement ends a remarkable international journey that lasted two decades.

Most recently, he led Argentina as captain to the 2026 World Cup final, where the team was eventually beaten by Spain. His exit signals the clear end of a historic era for the national side. Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time top scorer and most-capped player, leaving behind a legacy that will be exceptionally hard to match.

Antonela pays emotional tribute

After the announcement, Messi’s wife Roccuzzo shared a heartfelt message for him. She posted an emotional tribute in Spanish on Instagram, looking back on the extraordinary determination he showed throughout the years.

“I saw you keep going when things didn’t work out and always try again,” she wrote. “And after so many years, I was also lucky enough to see you fulfil your dreams and live some of the happiest days of our lives. You deserved this story and so much more. We love you infinitely.”

A record-breaking international career

Messi leaves the international game holding nearly every major record for Argentina. The legendary attacker scored an astonishing 125 goals in 207 appearances, underlining his place as the highest-scoring men’s player in South American football history. His persistence ultimately brought huge rewards on the biggest stages.

He featured in six World Cups and most memorably guided Argentina to glory in Qatar in 2022, delivering the country’s third world title and its first in 36 years. He was just as influential in continental football as well. Messi played a vital part in ending Argentina’s 28-year wait for a trophy by winning the 2021 Copa America, and then lifted the title again in 2024.

Closing the ultimate chapter

This is not the first time Messi has stepped away from international football. He had previously announced his retirement in 2016 after back-to-back final defeats as Argentina captain, when he was unable to win a major title. However, he soon reversed that decision, a move that opened the door to the greatest successes of his career.

His return allowed him to lead Argentina to those two Copa America triumphs and the ultimate prize at the 2022 World Cup. Now, after his final appearance in the 2026 World Cup, his international story has truly come to an end. Supporters around the world will always treasure the extraordinary impact he made in Argentina’s famous blue and white shirt.