Lionel Messi Announces Retirement From International Football

Last Updated:August 31, 2026, 8:48 PM IST

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Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football.

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Will Lionel Messi ever return to international football?

Lionel Messi retired from international football after Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final against Spain. His teammate Leandro Paredes indicated that Messi had decided this would be his last match for Argentina.

What is Lionel Messi’s legacy in international football?

Lionel Messi’s international football legacy includes winning the 2022 World Cup, which is considered the crown jewel of his career. He has been described as Argentina’s national totem and is seen as a successor to Diego Maradona, with some considering him the greatest ever. Messi has played 206 times for Argentina over 21 years and is the first player to appear in six different men’s FIFA World Cup tournaments. He is also Argentina’s all-time leading goal scorer in men’s football.

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First Published:

August 31, 2026, 8:48 PM IST

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