Messi Retires From International Football After 21 Years

Lionel Messi has retired from international football after a 21-year career with Argentina, making his final appearance in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.

The 39-year-old forward scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot and provided two assists as Argentina ended its final international fixture of the year at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina, making him the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer.

Messi made his senior international debut on August 17, 2005, against Hungary in Budapest. He came on as a substitute but was sent off shortly after entering the match.

He went on to represent Argentina at six FIFA World Cups in Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament.

Messi reached the World Cup final in 2014 and 2026 and won the competition with Argentina in 2022. He scored 21 goals across his World Cup appearances.

He also played in seven Copa América tournaments. His major senior international titles include the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

Before his senior career, Messi won the 2005 FIFA Under-20 World Cup with Argentina and was part of the team that won the men’s football gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Messi announced his decision to retire from international football on August 31, 2026. His final appearance came against Benin more than two decades after his senior debut.