Is Lionel Messi retiring from international football?

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :September 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM

Modified at :September 5, 2025 at 5:08 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Messi played his last home game for Argentina.

When the referee blew the final whistle, the match result was Argentina 3-0 Venezuela. Lionel Messi scored a brace and Lautaro Martinez added the third goal to ensure the team’s impressive run in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

However, it was a heartwarming night for the La Albiceleste captain, Messi. He was all emotional after the final whistle as he played his final game in Argentina’s home ground, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Following the game, the forward revealed he had always dreamed of finishing in front of his home fans, which was a major hint at his retirement from international football.

Messi hints at international football retirement

Lionel Messi Inter Miami Getty — Lionel Messi is doing well in club football while playing for MLS side Inter Miami CF (Photo via Getty Images)

The World Cup winner spoke to the media and talked about many topics. Among them was his retirement plans from the national team. He said:

“We’ll see. There are so many emotions, I’ve experienced so many things on this field,” Messi said after the game.

“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. We’ve been enjoying match after match for many years. I’m very happy; being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of.”

It’s obvious that Messi’s retirement is near, and the forward is now enjoying playing football game by game after achieving everything throughout his playing career.

After all the challenging obstacles during the earlier days of his career with the national team. Messi finally managed to break his international trophy curse by guiding them to the 2021 Copa America.

Since then, he has enjoyed a lot of success. Now he has the adoration of the fans who once criticised him for falling short on the international stage.

Now that he has hinted towards his retirement from international football, Messi will look to savour every remaining moment on the pitch.

Has Messi confirmed his retirement from international football?

No, but he has hinted that he could retire soon.

Will Messi play in next year’s World Cup?

So far, he hasn’t confirmed, and it remains to be seen.

Did Messi play his last game at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires?

The player was emotional after the 3-0 over Venezuela, as it was his last home outing for the national team.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.