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In La Boca, Buenos Aires, fans are celebrating Lionel Messi's retirement from international football, taking photographs in front of murals depicting him with the 2022 World Cup, which he won after years of criticism. Messi, who is 39 and has become a national icon during his two-decade career, announced his retirement via a heartfelt letter on social media, mentioning he felt he had “nothing else to give.” His remarkable record includes 125 goals in 207 appearances, and an Argentine Football Association farewell match is being planned to honor him, despite FIFA's rules preventing the retirement of his number 10 jersey.

Lionel Messi, at 39 years old, announced his retirement from international football after a legendary career spanning 21 years, where he achieved significant milestones including winning the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He holds numerous records, such as being the only player to appear in three World Cup finals, scoring 21 goals across six World Cups, and accumulating 207 international caps, the most for Argentina. Additionally, Messi ranks second in all-time international goals with 125, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo's 146.

Argentina’s football legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, leaving behind a remarkable record of 125 goals in 207 appearances. Following his departure, teammates and dignitaries expressed their deep appreciation and sadness, with Angel Di Maria stating it's “so hard” for fans to say goodbye and FIFA President Gianni Infantino calling him one of the greatest players ever. Messi's retirement comes after a period of personal loss, and he leaves a legacy as a World Cup champion and an icon in football history.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer for Argentina after 21 years, during which he played 207 games and became the all-time leading scorer with 125 goals. He won the World Cup in 2022, which fulfilled a long-awaited dream, but faced frustrations earlier in his career, including a brief retirement in 2016. Messi, who is 39 years old and will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, expressed deep emotions about his decision, thanking fans for their support throughout his journey.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at age 39, following Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance in July 2026, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. He expressed his emotional struggle with the decision on Instagram, recognizing it as the right time to step back after previously leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup final against France. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami is set to last until the end of the 2028 season.

Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine football legend, announced his international retirement following a disappointing loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, where he scored eight goals, making him the second top scorer of the tournament behind Kylian Mbappe. He holds the record for the most capped player in Argentina's history with 207 appearances and 125 goals, and under his captaincy, Argentina won both the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles. Despite his retirement from international football, Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami, having signed a contract that runs until the end of the 2028 MLS season.

Lionel Messi, 39, has announced his retirement from international football after an illustrious career with Argentina, where he scored 125 goals in 207 appearances, making him the country's all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. He expressed that it was a difficult decision, especially following the death of his father, and emphasized the emergence of talented young players who deserve their chance. Messi's international career included winning the World Cup in 2022 and scoring 21 goals in World Cup history, making him the second-highest goalscorer, behind France's Kylian Mbappe.