Lionel Messi has called time on his Argentina career at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down on an international journey that saw him become the country’s most prolific goalscorer and most-capped player. He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life. Key points and original sources are listed below.

• Lionel Messi has called time on his Argentina career at the age of 39, bringing the curtain down on an international journey that saw him become the country’s most prolific goalscorer and most-capped player. Messi announced his international retirement on Mond...S1

• He said he wrote his retirement letter after the World Cup final in July, but waited to publish it because his father was facing health issues that eventually claimed his life.S2

• Messi played in a record-tying six World Cups, won it in 2022 in Qatar and led Argentina to this year's final, losing to Spain in extra time in New Jersey.S3

• Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international soccer on Monday after two decades representing Argentina.S4

• Lionel Messi of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York NewS5

• Internewscast Journal Internewscast Lionel Messi has confirmed he is retiring from international football after Argentina’s… This Post: Lionel Messi Confirms Argentina Retirement, Ending an Era first appeared on Internewscast JournalS6

• Argentina's Lionel Messi will retire from international soccer, ending a legendary, record-breaking tenure, he announced Monday on Instagram.S7

• Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, saying he has 'nothing more to give' in an emotional statementS8