# Messi's Last Call

> Lionel Messi retires from international football after 34 World Cup appearances.
- Title: Messi's Last Call · the Guardian | Shortify
- Summary: Lionel Messi retires from international football after 34 World Cup appearances. Lionel Messi ends his international career with 34 World Cup appearances and…
- Keywords: lionel messi, argentina, inter miami, mls, world cup, 2022 world cup, sports, Messi's, Last, Call, the Guardian
- Source: the Guardian — https://theguardian.com/football/2026/aug/31/lionel-messis-international-retirement-serves-as-a-reminder-watch-him-while-you-still-can
- Published: 2026-08-31T18:51:49+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lionel messi, argentina, inter miami, mls, world cup, 2022 world cup, sports
## Final Match Tears
Messi cried after Argentina lost to Spain in his final international match.

> All I did was play football
## Father's Passing
Messi mourned his father's death after the tournament.

> This hurts me a lot
## Record Appearances
Messi made 34 World Cup appearances across six tournaments.

> 34 spread across six tournaments
## International Legacy
Messi scored 185 times in 207 international matches.

> 35 of which came at a major tournament
## Recent Form
Messi scored four goals for Inter Miami in his last match.

> four goals and an assist
## Contract Uncertainty
Messi's Miami contract ends in 2028 but his retirement may end it sooner.

> guaranteed contract through 2028
## Last Chance
Fans should see Messi before his final retirement.

> watch him while you still can
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi ends his international career with 34 World Cup appearances and 185 goals/assists across 207 caps.