The 39-year-old Argentine captain, Lionel Messi, officially announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026. The decision comes just two days after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup, a match that marked his final appearance for the Albiceleste.
Messi steps away from the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and appearance holder. Over the course of his illustrious international career, he recorded 125 goals across 207 matches for his country—a tally that stands as the highest in Argentine football history.
The announcement was made days after the passing of Messi’s father, a personal tragedy that weighed heavily on his decision. In his reflections, the veteran forward emphasized that he had given everything to the team throughout his journey. He also cited a desire to step aside for younger players as a key factor, signaling that he believes the time has come for a new generation to lead the national side forward.
In response to Messi’s retirement, the Argentine Football Association has organized a series of tributes to honor the departing captain. Every match across all competitions this weekend will pause at the 10th minute, during which players, officials, and fans are observing a one-minute ovation. The tribute was already seen in action during the Vélez Sarsfield versus Boca Juniors game, where the referee stopped play at the designated minute, and both players and supporters joined in a warm, collective round of applause for the record-breaking forward.
Email your news TIPS to Editor@Kahawatungu.com — this is our only official communication channel
