Lionel Messi retires from international football with incredible World Cup goal record and 207 caps

Lionel Messi will no longer play for Argentina.

One of the world’s greatest players has called time on his international playing career with his final game being the World Cup final defeat to Spain in New York.

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Messi scored 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina including eight goals at this summer’s World Cup. The 39-year-old has 21 World Cup goals in all, second only to Kylian Mbappe in the all-time charts.

Along with Cristiano Ronaldo, he is one of the greatest goal scorers of all time and he leaves the national team having won the World Cup in a 21-year career.

He won an Olympic gold medal with his nation in 2008 and added the 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup having previously finished runner-up in both competitions.

The announcement comes weeks after the passing of Messi’s dad, Jorge, who died aged 68 after a battle with illness.

Messi’s retirement statement

In a message posted on his Instagram account, Messi said: “After the time that has passed since the final, and after giving it a lot of thought, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team.

“It was a decision that hurt—and still hurts deep down—but I understand that the time has come.

“I swear to you that I always gave it my all — not just in these last few years when we won everything, but before that too; I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.

“Time is running short, chapters come to a close, and this is one that hurts me deeply. I love, have loved, and will always love being part of the National Team.

“I’ve given everything I had; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up who deserve to be here.

“Thank you for all the affection over these past 20 years. I will miss hearing you from the pitch so much. Now I’ll be just one of you, cheering and supporting from the outside (through the good times and the bad — especially the bad).

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“Thank you to my family for always being there, for accompanying me on this journey — so beautiful, yet so difficult.

“Thank you to every coach, teammate, and official I’ve shared this path with. I take with me unforgettable memories and moments.

“I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you—alongside my teammates — moments we once only dreamed of. It was an incredible experience to live this with you all. I love you!

“Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Let’s go, Argentina!

“*I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my dad, I am even more convinced than before.”

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