Lionel Messi is reportedly preparing to retire from international football in the coming months, with multiple reports in Argentina claiming the 2026 FIFA World Cup runner-up does not intend to play at another World Cup.
While Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has left the door open for the 39-year-old to continue, reports suggest Messi plans to remain with the national team only for a short transitional period before bringing his international career to a close.
What do the reports say?
According to reports in Argentina, Messi intends to continue representing Argentina over the next few months before officially announcing his retirement from international football.
The reports add that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has ruled out another World Cup campaign, making the 2026 tournament his final appearance on football’s biggest stage.
However, neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association (AFA) has officially confirmed his retirement plans.
Is Argentina planning a farewell match for Lionel Messi?
According to BeIN Sports, the Argentine Football Association is working on organising a special farewell match to honour Messi’s international career.
The proposed fixture would give supporters an opportunity to celebrate the captain’s achievements after nearly two decades with the senior national team.
No official details regarding the match have been announced.
Lionel Messi’s final World Cup?
Although Messi stopped short of announcing his retirement after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, he enjoyed another remarkable tournament.
He finished the competition with:
- 8 goals
- 4 assists
- Second-highest scorer at the tournament
His performances helped Argentina reach a second consecutive World Cup final before they were beaten by Spain.
Lionel Messi- career that transformed Argentina
Messi’s international career has included both heartbreak and unprecedented success.
After losing four major finals between 2007 and 2016, he famously announced his retirement from international football before reversing that decision months later.
He subsequently led Argentina into the most successful period in the nation’s recent history, winning:
- Copa América 2021
- Finalissima 2022
- FIFA World Cup 2022
- Copa América 2024
He also captained Argentina to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.
What has Lionel Scaloni said?
Following the World Cup final, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni declined to put any pressure on Messi over his future.
Instead, Scaloni indicated that the decision would rest entirely with the captain, leaving the possibility of further appearances open should Messi wish to continue.
Has Lionel Messi confirmed his retirement?
No.
As of now, Messi has not publicly announced his retirement from international football.
The reports regarding his timeline and a planned farewell match remain unconfirmed by either the player or the AFA.
For now, Messi is expected to remain available for Argentina in the short term, but reports indicate the curtain is set to fall on one of international football’s greatest careers in the coming months.
Story first published: Friday, July 24, 2026, 13:15 [IST]
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