By Akinwale Kasali
Lionel Messi has drawn the curtain to his illustrious career with the Argentine National Team, the Albacelestie, as he announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after earning 207 caps.
The Eighth Time Ballon d’ Or Winner played his last match for Argentina in their 1-0 loss to Spain in the Final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States of America.
He made his debut for Argentina in 2005, and remained instrumental to the team as they went on to win the Copa America title twice, won the World Cup at Qatar 2022 and was a runner-up in 2014 and recently in 2026.
Announcing his decision to quit the national team in a statement, he said: “It was a decision that hurt – and still hurts deep down – but I understand that the time has come. I swear to you that I always gave it my all – not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.
“Time is fleeting, chapters come to an end, and this is one that deeply affects me. I love, have loved, and will always cherish being part of the national team. I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to offer, and moreover, there are some exceptional young players emerging who deserve this opportunity.”
Messi ended his International career that lasted over two decades on Monday, scoring 124 goals in 203 games.
This is Messi’s second international retirement.
He announced the first in 2016 after losing three consecutive finals as captain, then reversed it and went on to win the World Cup six years later.
His club career continues. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs to 2028, and the Major League Soccer club signed Casemiro this summer to play alongside him.
His retirement also brings an end to an era in which Messi was the central figure of Argentine football, carrying the expectations of a football-mad nation while establishing himself as one of the most decorated players of all time.
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