# Messi retires from international football as peers hail ‘eternal’ star

https://mins.news/en/item/39940

- Al Jazeera, 2026-09-01 08:04 UTC
- Sports
- Original: https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/9/1/lionel-messi-retirement-football-argentina-tribute?traffic_source=rss

> Lionel Messi, Argentina’s 39-year-old record appearance maker and scorer, has announced his retirement from international football. He said the decision still hurts deeply but that the time had come. Teammates, football officials, Argentina’s president and his wife paid tribute to his extraordinary career and lasting impact.

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