Short version: Messi announced his international retirement on 31 August 2026, six weeks after Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain. He is still playing for Inter Miami. His last Argentina match is the friendly against Benin on 6 October 2026.
Timeline: how the farewell came about
- Senior debut against Hungary in Budapest. He is sent off within a minute of coming on.
- After the Copa América final defeat to Chile he quits the national team, then returns within months.
- Copa América (2021), the Finalissima against Italy, the World Cup in Qatar (2022) and a second Copa América (2024).
- Argentina lose the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Ferran Torres scores in the 106th minute of extra time after Enzo Fernández is sent off. It is Messi's third World Cup final.
- Messi writes his farewell letter but holds it back.
- His father, Jorge Messi, dies after a serious illness.
- He scores four goals for Inter Miami in a 7-1 win over CF Montréal.
- He publishes his retirement message.
- Farewell match: Argentina vs Benin at the Estadio Más Monumental.
Why he stepped away
In his message Messi wrote that the decision hurt but that he believed the time had come, and that a new generation deserved its chance. He was 39 at the 2026 World Cup, where he scored eight goals, made four assists and finished second in the Golden Boot race behind Kylian Mbappé. Reports say he wrote the letter two days after the final and waited to publish it while his father was ill.
What happens next
Messi has not retired from football. His Inter Miami contract runs to the end of the 2028 MLS season. For Argentina, he leaves with the men's records for appearances (207), goals (125) and assists (68) before the Benin game. The full list is on our records page, and every title is on the trophies page.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Messi retire from Argentina?
In his announcement on 31 August 2026 Messi said the decision hurt but that he believed the time had come and a new generation deserved its chance. It came six weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain.
When did Messi announce his retirement from Argentina?
31 August 2026. He wrote the letter on 21 July, two days after the World Cup final, and held it back while his father was ill.
Is Messi retiring from football completely?
No. He retired from international football only. He still plays for Inter Miami, where his contract runs to the end of the 2028 MLS season.
Has Messi retired from Argentina before?
Yes. After losing the 2016 Copa América final to Chile on penalties he stepped away, then came back within months.
When is Messi's last match for Argentina?
Tuesday 6 October 2026 against Benin at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires, kickoff 4:00 AM PKT on Wednesday 7 October.