Lionel Messi's final Argentina stats: Games, goals, assists, trophies, and more after international retirement
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, concluding a career that spanned 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina. His retirement marks the end of an era for one of the sport's most decorated players.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement is a significant cultural milestone in global sports, marking the departure of a generational talent who redefined modern football.
Lionel Messi's final Argentina stats: Games, goals, assists, trophies, and more after international retirement originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Widely considered the greatest player in the history of the game, superstar Lionel Messi has finally brought his international career to an end at 39 years old.
In the aftermath of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi announced he would not play again for Argentina, with the death of his father Jorge a large factor in his decision to hang up his Albiceleste boots.
For a long time, Messi's international career was blighted by an inability to win major international trophies, but by the time it was all said and done, he had lifted just about every single trophy there is to win in the entire sport.
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