Argentina captain Lionel Messi has announced his international retirement at age 39, following his country’s World Cup campaign and long reflection. The decision prompted global tributes from figures including Sir David Beckham and Jose Mourinho, closing an extraordinary career spanning 207 caps and 125 goals.
Lionel Messi announces international retirement
The announcement comes barely one month after Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in a tournament where the team reached the final before losing to Spain. Messi confirmed his departure in an official statement on Instagram, noting that the choice followed weeks of reflection after a painful final match.
Ending a six-World Cup campaign that included 207 caps and 125 international goals, Messi described the emotional weight of stepping away from the Albiceleste. He wrote that it was a painful decision that still hurts him deep down, and that he had exhausted everything he had and no longer has any more to give.
“After all this time since the final match, and after long reflection, I want to announce to everyone that I have decided to retire from playing with the national team.”
Lionel Messi, Argentina captain
The forward pointed to a generational shift within the squad as another reason for his departure, noting the presence of a group of wonderful young players who deserve to get their chance. Having led his country to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alongside Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, Messi leaves the stage after an international career that also included reaching the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil as runners-up to Germany.
Sir David Beckham pays tribute to Lionel Messi
Reactions from across the football world immediately followed the retirement notice. Inter Miami co-owner and former England captain Sir David Beckham paid tribute to the forward’s global impact, noting that Messi inspired millions of children worldwide.
“This is the moment we get to look back on and realize how grateful we were to witness the greatness of a young kid with a dream. Leo, you delivered the greatest gift to your country and, for that, your legacy will live forever. Congratulations on all you achieved for Argentina.”
Sir David Beckham, Inter Miami co-owner and former England captain
Jose Mourinho sends message to Lionel Messi
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho set aside past club rivalries to comment on Messi’s Instagram post, acknowledging the end of an era for the Albiceleste after crossing paths with the forward during managerial stints with Real Madrid, Chelsea, and Inter Milan. Mourinho frequently managed against Messi in his first stint at Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, a period in which the former Barcelona man won the Ballon d’Or in three consecutive years from 2010 to 2012.
“Congratulations on a brilliant and unforgettable international career. The next Copa America and the next World Cup won’t be the same.”
Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Enzo Fernandez and Angel Di Maria voice admiration
Current and former international teammates also voiced their admiration. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez shared his joy at having gone from a starry-eyed fan to a World Cup-winning teammate, writing about how he used to dream of wearing the Argentina shirt with Messi just once and noting that life ended up being far more beautiful than that boy was able to imagine, sharing training camps, the dressing room, conversations, embraces, difficult moments, and wonderful moments to become world champions together. Angel Di Maria, another member of that triumphant squad, stated that he was born in the right century to be able to witness Messi play, relish his performances, and share all those years together in the national team, thanking him for every moment.
With Messi stepping away following his sixth World Cup tournament and a career that began more than two decades ago, Argentina faces a transitional period as the squad moves forward alongside the presence of wonderful young players who deserve to get their chance.
