Arguably the game's greatest ever player has called an end to his international career.
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on Aug. 31, which he led on a World Cup-winning campaign in 2022, while claiming Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Messi's announcement comes shortly after the death of his father Jorge
, after which he questioned his longevity in the sport in an emotional post on Instagram.Messi, 39, is the Albiceleste's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals in 207 games. He scored 21 times in World Cup matches, second most all-time, including eight goals at the 2026 World Cup in which Argentina fell to Spain in the final.
"After the time that passed since the final, thinking about it a lot, I want
to communicate to everyone that I am retiring from the national team ... It was a decision that hurt and hurts in a soul, but I understand that this is the moment," Messi wrote in a post to Instagram.
"I swear to you that I always gave everything, not just in the last few years when we won everything but before as well and I always fought and left everything on the field for this shirt, to give you all joys and make you feel proud to be Argentines through soccer."
Messi has suited up in the blue-and-white jersey of Argentina for the final time, but what does his international retirement mean for MLS and his current team Inter Miami? Or Nashville SC?
Messi retires from international duty. What it means for Nashville SC?
While Messi has now recorded his final international cap, his club career will continue as he remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season.
Closing in on 40 years old, Messi remains the league's most potent threat in front of goal. He leads MLS with 18 goals this season, while he's tied for second in assists with 10. He claimed the MLS Golden Boot in 2025 with 29 goals as Inter Miami won the MLS Cup.
Messi has scored 16 goals and provided five assists in 13 career appearances against league-leader Nashville SC, but NSC has largely stifled the eight-time Ballon D'or winner in recent matchups.
Nashville last faced Inter Miami on Aug. 15, claiming a dominant 4-1 victory while holding Messi scoreless, as keeper Brian Schwake saved his penalty attempt in the first half. Nashville SC had previously squared off against Miami in a pair of CONCACAF Champions Cup matches in March, eliminating the Herons as Messi scored once across two legs.
Nashville will face Messi and Inter Miami for the final time in the regular season on Sept. 12 at Nu Stadium.
Harrison Campbell can be reached at hcampbell@usatodayco.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @hccamp.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Lionel Messi retires from international duty. What it means for MLS and Nashville SC?
