A career defined by longevity and brilliance
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday, marking the end of a 21‑year national‑team career that spanned six World Cup tournaments. The decision came just days after the final of the 2022 World Cup, a match that had already cemented his place in the tournament’s history.
Messi’s farewell was shaped by personal tragedy; his father, Jorge Messi, passed away on August 8, 2023, a loss that influenced the timing of his retirement letter, written on July 21. The forward had previously stepped away from the national side in 2016 after a Copa América disappointment, only to return under public pressure.
During his international tenure, Messi played 207 matches and scored 125 goals, including 21 in World Cup competitions. He led Argentina to the 2014 final and, four years later, lifted the trophy in Qatar, ending a long‑awaited championship drought. His performances placed him alongside Diego Maradona and Pelé in the pantheon of the sport’s greatest players.
The legacy extends beyond the World Cup. Messi became the all‑time leading scorer in World Cup history for a brief period during the 2022 tournament, and his 146 international goals now sit behind only Cristiano Ronaldo, who remains the all‑time top scorer in men’s internationals. Both players have redefined the statistical benchmarks for future generations.
Following his international exit, Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he recently delivered a four‑goal display in a 7‑1 victory. The move has made him the league’s two‑time MVP and helped the club capture the 2023 MLS Cup, underscoring his enduring impact on the pitch.