Lionel Messi has reached the final page of his Argentina story. At the age of 39, the Argentine superstar announced his retirement from international football. Messi’s decision came three weeks after his dad, Jorge, passed away at the age of 68 after he fought an illness. Messi will no longer wear the white-and-blue jersey that has defined his football career.
Lionel Messi announces his retirement from the Argentina national team two days after Spain defeated Argentina
Lionel Messi revealed that he made the decision just two days after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 39-year-old legendary player also stated that his dad’s demise played a major role in his decision to retire as he bids adieu to the most glorious chapter of his football career.
Messi shared a picture of his handwritten message in Spanish, which spanned three pages of notebook paper. He had written those words on July 21, 2026, two days after Spain defeated Argentina. Lionel Messi, in his retirement announcement note, shared:
By
By
