Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time, has announced his retirement from Argentina's national team, closing one of the most celebrated international careers in the sport's history. The announcement follows the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi, who had been a central figure in his son's life and career.

Messi, 39, represented Argentina across multiple World Cup cycles before finally lifting the trophy at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, a moment that cemented his legacy in the eyes of many fans and analysts worldwide. He also won the Copa América with Argentina, completing a full set of international honors after years of near-misses with the national side.

The retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine soccer. Messi made his senior debut for the national team in 2005 and went on to become its all-time leading scorer, accumulating a record number of caps over more than two decades. His performances consistently drew comparison with the all-time greats of the game, and his international success alongside club achievements at FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain defined an entire generation of the sport.

Messi is expected to continue his professional playing career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he has been based since 2023. His club future appears unaffected by the international retirement, though the announcement signals a clear shift toward the final chapter of his playing days at the highest level.