Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentine National Team this August 31st, bringing an end to an era of over two decades with the Albiceleste jersey. At 39 years old, the Argentine captain explained that he made the decision because he feels he has already given everything he had to give: “I emptied myself, I have nothing more to give.” His last appearance was the 2026 World Cup final against Spain, where Argentina lost 1-0, thus concluding his international participation after 207 matches and 125 goals with the senior team.

Since his debut in 2005, Messi built a historic career with Argentina and ended up becoming the all-time leading scorer and the player with the most appearances in the national team's history. During his tenure, he won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 Qatar World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América, in addition to winning Olympic gold in 2008 and the U-20 World Cup in 2005. In the World Cups, he also left historic numbers: he played 34 World Cup matches and scored 21 goals, in addition to becoming one of the players with the most participation and leadership in the tournament's history.

Messi's legacy with Argentina goes far beyond his statistics. After years of criticism and losing important finals, including the 2016 Copa América which even led him to temporarily announce his retirement, the Rosario native returned to become the leader of a generation that brought major titles back to the Albiceleste. His tenure ended with four major titles with the senior team, over 200 matches, and 125 goals, figures that will hardly be matched. Messi leaves the national team as one of its greatest legends and as the footballer who managed to transform a history marked by disappointments into an era of titles and glory.