Argentina Star Lionel Messi Retires From International Soccer

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates after the 3-2 victory during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on July 7, 2026. (Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

By Zachary Stieber

Zachary Stieber

Senior Reporter

Zachary Stieber is a senior reporter for The Epoch Times based in Maryland. He covers U.S. and world news. Contact Zachary at zack.stieber@epochtimes.com

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August 31, 2026Updated: August 31, 2026

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Longtime Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi said Aug. 31 he will no longer play for the national team.

Messi, 39, said in an Instagram post that his international retirement “hurts deep down, but I understand that the time has come.”

Messi was one of Argentina’s best players in the 2026 World Cup as Argentina made the final match before losing to Spain. Messi previously helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.

This is a developing story that will be updated.

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