BUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 : Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.The record eight-times Ballon d'Or winner is his country's record appearance-maker and scorer with 125 goals in 207 games, having transfor

He made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina.

"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," said Lionel Messi.

"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," said Lionel Messi.

"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," said Lionel Messi.

BUENOS AIRES, Aug 31 : Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the final in 2026, said on Monday in a post on Instagram that he would be leaving Argentina's national team."It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deep down — but I understand that the time has come. I sw

He made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina.

Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022 and the ​final in 2026, is retiring from international football, he said on Monday.

The 39-year-old captained Argentina to the final of last month’s World Cup in New York, but he was unable to prevent his nation from losing 1-0 to Spain, and it proved to be the final match of his international career.

Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina just weeks after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. He leaves as the nation’s record appearance holder and top scorer.

Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina just weeks after leading the team to the 2026 World Cup final. He leaves as the nation’s record appearance holder and top scorer.

Lionel Messi has ended his career as a player for the Argentine national team at 39 years old, after nearly two decades representing the national side.

The Argentine legend announced that he will not play for the national team again, ending an illustrious international career.

"It was a decision that hurt - and still hurts deep down - but I understand that the time has come," said Lionel Messi.

Lionel Messi said on Monday he is retiring from international football after leading Argentina to a second successive World Cup final in July.

Messi's decision comes more than three weeks after his father, Jorge, died at 68 following a battle with an illness.

Aug 31 : Argentina's Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday.The following are quotes and reactions:CLAUDIO TAPIA, ARGENTINE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT "The captain of our dreams. That kid, 'La Pulga', that alien who made possible what so often seemed impos

Aug 31 : Argentina's Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday.The following are quotes and reactions:CLAUDIO TAPIA, ARGENTINE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT "The captain of our dreams. That kid, 'La Pulga', that alien who made possible what so often seemed impos

Messi's decision comes more than three weeks after his father, Jorge, died at 68 following a battle with an illness.

Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty at 39 after leading his country to a World Cup title and two Copa America crowns.

Lionel Messi retires from Argentina duty at 39 after leading his country to a World Cup title and two Copa America crowns.

Aug 31 : Lionel Messi brought down the curtain on his extraordinary international career on Monday, announcing his retirement soon after inspiring Argentina to within one victory of a second successive World Cup triumph.At 39, two decades after first appearing on football’s biggest stage, Messi walked away

Lionel Messi’s international journey lasted more than two decades. He made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to represent his country in 207 matches, scoring 125 goals.

Lionel Messi fans are all disappointed, as the Argentine superstar announced his retirement from the Argentina national team a while back.

Lionel Messi has retired from Argentina's national team at 39, leaving a legacy of 10 international records, including most goals and assists in history.

Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football with Argentina after earning 207 caps. Messi, who debuted for Argentina in 2005, won

Messi led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar by winning the final against France in a penalty shootout, but his side lost 1-0 to a superior Spain side in the 2026 final

Lionel Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo re-shared his emotional retirement post after and it shows how she has been pillar of his strength and always standing by his side.

Zurich: FIFA thanked legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi after he announced his retirement from international football in a social media post on

Some football personalities have reacted to Lionel Messi's retirement from international football. Messi had earlier today announced his retirement from