Lionel Messi formally announced his retirement from international football with Argentina on 31 August 2026, ending a remarkable career that spanned six World Cups. However, the decision came 41 days after he first drafted his farewell message. Fans were already curious and concerned about the Argentine legend’s future after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain 0-1 in extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on 19 July.
Fans were optimistic about his presence for the 2028 Copa America; however, the retirement plan was already decided after the World Cup final. But Messi delayed it and announced it yesterday. The Inter Miami striker has explained the reason in the announcement post.
Why did Lionel Messi delay international retirement?
Messi wrote the note on 21 July but held it back as his father, Jorge Messi, was seriously ill. Jorge Messi died in Rosario on 8 August at the age of 68. Messi, who had remained in the United States with Inter Miami during the tournament’s later stages, returned briefly to Argentina with his family. On 12 August he posted a moving tribute on Instagram, reflecting on his father’s absence from the World Cup and the difficulty of accepting the loss.
Messi, the Inter Miami striker, resumed club duties with the MLS side on 15 August. He continued to perform at a high level, notably scoring four goals in a 7-1 victory over Montreal on 30 August that ended a winless run and put him clear in the MLS Golden Boot race. The following day he released the retirement statement he had prepared weeks earlier.
Messi finishes his international career with 125 goals in 207 appearances for Argentina, including a World Cup title in 2022 and a record 19 goals across World Cup tournaments for his country. He will continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
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