Entertainment
Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina's national soccer team
The 39-year-old superstar departs from international play after nearly two decades representing his country.
The short version
- Soccer legend Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, 2026.
- His decision follows nearly two decades of international play, highlighted by a 2022 World Cup championship in Qatar and six World Cup appearances.
- Messi, who is 39, will continue playing club soccer for Inter Miami.
Key facts
- Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team via an Instagram post, stating that "the time has come."[CBS News]
- During his international career, Messi played in six World Cups and led Argentina to a championship victory in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.[CBS News]
- The announcement follows a loss to Spain in an international final earlier in the summer.[CBS News]
- Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away recently at the age of 68.[CBS News]
- The 39-year-old continues to play club soccer in the United States for Inter Miami.[CBS News]