Lionel Messi Retires from International Football

# Lionel Messi Retires from International Football ### Why in News? Argentina captain **Lionel Messi** announced his retirement from **international football** on **August 31, 2026**, ending his career with the national team. ### Key Details - Messi retired at age **39** after Argentina finished as runners-up at the **2026 FIFA World Cup**. - His biggest international achievement was leading Argentina to the **2022 FIFA World Cup title**. - He remains active in club football with **Inter Miami**. - Argentina has won the FIFA World Cup **three times — 1978, 1986 and 2022**. ### Exam Connect - **Lionel Messi** → Argentina → 2022 FIFA World Cup winner - **FIFA** → global governing body for football