September 1, 2026 | Sports
BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi has officially closed one of the most extraordinary chapters in football history, announcing his retirement from Argentina’s national team at the age of 39.
The announcement comes only weeks after the death of his father and longtime adviser, Jorge Messi, whose passing deeply affected the football legend and his family.
Jorge Messi died on August 8 in Rosario at the age of 68 after a long illness. He had been one of the most important figures behind his son’s remarkable career, serving not only as his father but also as his agent and adviser.
Messi had already hinted that his father’s death had made him question whether he could continue playing football. In an emotional message following Jorge’s death, he reflected on the enormous role his father played throughout his life and career.
The loss came after an emotionally demanding 2026 World Cup campaign. Argentina reached the final but ultimately lost to Spain, ending Messi’s hopes of lifting another World Cup trophy with his country.
A 21-Year Journey Comes to an End
Messi’s international career began in 2005 and ultimately spanned more than two decades. He leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer, with 207 appearances and 125 goals.
His journey with the national team included years of disappointment before finally producing historic success.
Messi won the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima in 2022, and most importantly, the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022. He later added another Copa América title in 2024.
For years, Messi carried the enormous expectations of an entire nation. Critics questioned whether he could ever match the achievements of Diego Maradona. But the 2022 World Cup victory changed everything.
He finally delivered Argentina the trophy its supporters had dreamed of seeing him lift.
His Father Was There From the Beginning
For Messi, football was never simply a profession. It was deeply connected to his family, particularly his father.
Jorge Messi supported his son’s development from his earliest days in Rosario and played a central role when the young Lionel moved to Barcelona as a teenager.
His father’s influence continued throughout Messi’s professional career, with Jorge eventually becoming his son’s representative and helping manage his business affairs.
That makes Messi’s decision to step away from Argentina especially emotional.
His mother’s recent comments have further highlighted how closely Jorge’s life was connected to his son’s football journey.
Not Yet the End of Messi’s Football Career
Although Messi has retired from international football, this does not mean he has completely retired from professional football.
He remains a player for Inter Miami, and reports indicate that he has not announced an immediate retirement from club football.
For now, however, the Argentine national team will have to move forward without the player who defined an entire generation.
Messi leaves behind more than trophies and records. He leaves behind an emotional connection with millions of Argentines and football fans around the world.
His final chapter with Argentina may not have ended with another World Cup victory.
But after more than 20 years, countless unforgettable moments, and finally delivering the world’s greatest prize to his country, Lionel Messi walks away from the national team as a champion — and as one of football’s greatest legends.
The boy from Rosario has finally said goodbye to Argentina.