Lionel Messi officially retires from international soccer

Lionel Messi has officially suited up in an Argentina uniform for the final time.

>The soccer legend announced on Monday that he has retired from international soccer. He will not play for the Argentina National Team anymore.

>His last appearance was the 2026 World Cup Final, a game Argentina lost 1-0 against Spain. It was his sixth appearance at a FIFA World Cup after winning it all in 2022. He’s been a runner-up twice in 2014 and 2026.

>MORE:Jay Bothroyd makes Lionel Messi’s World Cup future clear after Spain loss

>Messi posted the news to his official Instagram account.

>“After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team. It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts, to my core, but I understand that it’s the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football,” part of Messi’s statement read.

Lionel Messi’s accoladesMessi is one of the greatest players ever and holds the Argentina records for most appearances (207) and goals (125). He has been the captain of the Argentina National Team since 2011 and won the World Cup Golden Ball in 2014 and 2022. He’s also a two-time Copa America winner (2021 and 2024).

>While Messi won’t play for Argentina anymore, he’ll still play for Inter Miami in MLS since he has two more years left on his contract.

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