Lionel Messi Retires From Argentina Duty After 207 Caps

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with immediate effect, ending an Argentina career that spanned more than two decades and brought 207 senior caps. The Guardian and BBC Sport reported the decision on Monday, with Messi saying the choice was painful but that the time had come to step away.

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The 39-year-old made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the central figure in one of the most decorated periods in the national team’s history. He captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup and won two Copa América titles, while also finishing as a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and again this summer.

Messi’s final international appearance came in Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain. In an earlier statement published after the death of his father, Jorge, Messi described having struggled physically in that match and said his legs could no longer continue, despite trying to push beyond his limits.

According to The Guardian, Messi wrote his retirement announcement on July 21, two days after the final, but did not release it immediately. The death of his father earlier in August confirmed to him that it was the right moment to make the decision public and close his international career.

In his retirement statement, Messi said he had always given everything for Argentina, including during the years before the team’s recent run of trophies. He also pointed to the arrival of talented younger players who deserve opportunities with the national side as one reason the transition should now take place.

The announcement ends Messi’s playing commitment to Argentina but not his club career. He remains with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through 2028. His international record now closes with a World Cup triumph, two continental titles and 207 appearances since his debut 21 years ago.