Lionel Messi Retires from International Football

Lionel Messi ended his international football career on 6 October 2026, after Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored a 71st-minute penalty and provided two assists in his final appearance at the Monumental Stadium. He completed a 21-year international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.

International Career and Records

Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and holds the national team appearance record, with 126 goals in 208 matches. He first represented Argentina’s senior team in 2005. In August 2026, he had announced his intention to retire from international football, two months after Argentina lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in New Jersey.

Major International Titles

Messi captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title, the country’s third men’s world championship. Argentina defeated France in the final, which ended 3-3 before Argentina won the penalty shoot-out. Messi also led Argentina to Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Copa América is the senior national-team competition organised by the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL). In 2022, Argentina won the Finalissima, defeating European champions Italy 3-0 at Wembley Stadium. The Finalissima is a match between the champions of the Copa América and the UEFA European Championship.

Education and Club Career

Before his final international match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters on 6 October 2026. The University of Buenos Aires is a public university established in 1821. Messi is continuing his club career with Inter Miami, with a contract running until 2028. His international retirement does not end his professional club career.

Important Facts for Exams

• The FIFA World Cup is an international football tournament organised by FIFA and held every four years.
• Copa América is organised by CONMEBOL, the governing body for football in South America.
• The 2022 FIFA World Cup was held in Qatar, and Argentina won the final against France.
• The 2022 Finalissima was played at Wembley Stadium in London, where Argentina defeated Italy 3-0.

Messi finished his Argentina career with a national-record 208 appearances and 126 international goals.