Lionel Messi retires from international football

01-Sep-2026

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Lionel Messi has retired from international football after a 20-year career with Argentina, ending shortly after their 2022 World Cup victory and the death of his father. 

With 125 goals in 207 appearances, Messi is Argentina's all-time top scorer and capped player. 

Despite early setbacks in World Cups and Copa America finals, he led Argentina to Copa America triumph in 2021 and World Cup glory in 2022. Messi retires to make way for younger talent but continues club football with Inter Miami.