# Lionel Messi Ends Argentina Career

> Messi completes football career with Argentina after 208 caps and World Cup glory.
- Title: Lionel Messi Ends Argentina Career · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Messi completes football career with Argentina after 208 caps and World Cup glory. Lionel Messi ends his international career with Argentina after winning…
- Keywords: lionel messi, argentina, world cup, copa america, world cup 2026, world cup 2022, opta analyst, sports, Lionel, Messi, Ends, Career
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/oct/06/lionel-messi-completed-football-argentina-farewell-world-cup-glory
- Author: Ryan Benson
- Published: 2026-10-06T11:07:41+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lionel messi, argentina, world cup, copa america, world cup 2026, world cup 2022, opta analyst, sports
## Messi's Final Argentina Match
Lionel Messi will wear the Argentina shirt one last time this week for a friendly in Buenos Aires against Benin.
## 208 Caps and World Cup Glory
Messi earned 208 caps and a World Cup title after retiring from international football following the 2022 final.
## 2016 Retirement Attempt
Messi said after a Copa América Centenario final defeat to Chile in 2016, 'This is tough and a difficult time. The end has come for me and our team.'

> This is tough and a difficult time. The end has come for me and our team.
## Six Weeks Later
Six weeks after his 2016 retirement attempt, Messi confirmed he wasn't quitting and returned to play for Argentina.
## World Cup 2022 Triumph
Argentina won the 2022 World Cup after Messi scored in nine consecutive World Cup matches.
## Scaloni's Coaching Impact
Scaloni became Argentina's coach in 2018 and has won the World Cup and multiple Copa América titles with Messi.
## Messi's World Cup Records
Messi set a record by becoming the first player to start three men’s World Cup finals (2014, 2022, 2026).
## 2026 World Cup Preparation
Argentina will face Algeria in the 2026 World Cup, with Messi leading the team as their captain.
## Argentina's Future Without Messi
Argentina must adapt without Messi's creative influence after his final international match.
## Messi's Legacy
Messi's 208 caps and World Cup victory ensure a legacy that will last longer than any other player's.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi ends his international career with Argentina after winning the 2022 World Cup and earning 208 caps.