Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi could be nearing the end of his international career, with multiple Argentine media reports suggesting that the football legend is planning to retire from Argentina duty after a brief transition period with the national team.
According to the reports, the 39-year-old intends to continue representing Argentina for the coming months before formally stepping away from international football. The reports also indicate that another FIFA World Cup campaign is not part of Messi’s plans.
The reported development comes after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Despite the loss, Messi enjoyed another outstanding tournament, finishing as the competition’s second-highest scorer with eight goals and contributing four assists. However, he declined to discuss his international future after the final.
Argentine media further reported that the Argentine Football Association (AFA) is considering organising a special farewell match to honour Messi’s contribution to the national team. If held, the event would provide supporters with an opportunity to celebrate one of the greatest players in the country’s football history.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has previously maintained that the national team remains open to Messi’s return whenever he wishes to play. However, the latest reports suggest the veteran forward wants to remain with the squad only long enough to help the team’s transition before announcing his retirement.
Messi’s international career has been one of football’s most remarkable journeys. After years of disappointment in major finals, he led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América, before guiding the team to another World Cup final in 2026.
Neither Messi nor the Argentine Football Association has officially confirmed the reported retirement plans or a farewell match. The reports remain unverified pending an official announcement.
