• Lionel Messi retires from Argentina's national team after 21 years of service.
• He is Argentina's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals and record appearance-maker.
• Messi won the FIFA World Cup in 2022 and two Copa America titles.
• His retirement follows a loss in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain.
• The football legend will continue playing at club level with Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, ending a remarkable 21-year career with Argentina. The 39-year-old made the announcement via Instagram, stating, "It was a decision that hurt — and still hurts deeply — but I understand that the time has come" according to Channel News Asia.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Messi became Argentina's all-time leading scorer, netting 125 goals in 207 appearances. He played in a record-tying six World Cups and won the FIFA World Cup in 2022, while also securing two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He noted, "I always fought and left everything on the field for this jersey" according to Le Monde and South China Morning Post.

Messi's retirement follows the 2026 World Cup final where Argentina was defeated 1-0 by Spain, a match that brought his international career to a close. In his retirement message, Messi reflected on his journey and the challenges faced, stating that the past defeats had fueled a lasting desire to succeed, ultimately culminating in the World Cup triumph in 2022, as reported by Africanews and Al Jazeera.

Despite his successful run with Argentina, Messi's journey was marked by notable challenges, including three major final losses prior to his World Cup victory. His revelation regarding the death of his father, Jorge Messi, further contributed to his decision to retire, highlighting a mixture of personal and professional reflections during his farewell message, according to Channel News Asia and Africanews.

Messi's accomplishments include not just his titles but records that define his extraordinary talent, such as being the only player to score in three separate World Cups and holding the record for most assists in World Cup history. His retirement closes one of football's most storied chapters but does not end his competitive spirit, as he will continue his club career with Inter Miami, further emphasizing his ongoing contribution to the sport according to Africanews and Le Monde.