Lionel Messi, one of football’s most decorated players, has announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39, ending a 21-year career with Argentina. Messi made the announcement after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player, with 125 goals in 207 appearances. He won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy in Qatar.
In an emotional message to Argentina supporters, Messi said the decision was painful but that he believed the time had come to close the chapter. He said he had given everything to the national team and had “nothing left to give,” while acknowledging that a new generation of Argentine players deserved opportunities.
Messi had initially written his retirement message on July 21, two days after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat. The death of his father, Jorge Messi, in August further strengthened his decision to step away from international football.
Lionel Messi net worth
Messi’s retirement from international football comes as his wealth has reached billionaire status. Forbes estimates Messi’s current net worth at $1.1 billion, making him one of only a handful of active athletes to reach billionaire status.
Forbes estimates that Messi has earned around $1.8 billion in total career income before taxes and agents’ fees, including money from football contracts, endorsements, memorabilia and business ventures. His commercial partnerships include Adidas, Mastercard, PepsiCo and other global brands, while he also has a lifetime deal with Adidas.
His move to Inter Miami in 2023 significantly expanded his commercial portfolio. Forbes estimates his annual earnings at around $140 million in its 2026 ranking of the world’s highest-paid athletes. Messi also has an option to acquire an equity stake in Inter Miami, potentially giving him another valuable asset beyond his playing income.
Messi is not retiring from professional football altogether. He remains with Inter Miami, where his contract runs through 2028. He recently scored four goals and provided an assist in Miami’s 7-1 victory over Montreal, showing that he remains a major force at club level despite ending his Argentina career.