At 39, Lionel Messi announced that he will no longer wear the Argentina jersey, bringing his international career to a close after a World Cup final appearance.
A Personal Decision Shaped by Loss
The announcement follows the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on August 8, 2023. In a handwritten journal, Messi described the profound emotional impact of the loss and said it clarified his future direction.
Messi retires as a two‑time Copa América champion and a World Cup winner, having scored 125 goals and provided 68 assists in 207 appearances for La Albiceleste.
His club commitments remain unchanged; Messi recently signed a three‑year extension with Inter Miami that runs through December 2028, keeping him in MLS until the end of the decade.
Although his international duties have ended, the Argentine star’s influence endures, with his legacy expected to grow as he continues to shape the game in the United States and beyond.