Lionel Messi Finally Calls It Quits

The announcement on Monday that Argentina’s superstar footballer Lionel Messi is retiring from the international scene could not have come as a total surprise. After the shattering defeat to Spain in the final of the FIFA World Cup in New York in July, the decision was always on the cards. The announcement thus brings the curtain down on a brilliant career spanning twenty years in which he brought rich laurels to the iconic blue and white jersey. This included two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the biggest prize of them all—the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar. It all made up for the bitter disappointment of finishing on the losing side to Germany in the 2014 final. But another defeat in the final that counts and then the death of his father and mentor, Jorge Messi, last month was the last straw for Messi. He will no doubt continue to represent Inter Miami in Major League Soccer in the United States.

Ronaldo And Messi Era Ends

While Cristiano Ronaldo has not officially announced his international retirement after Portugal crashed out in the round of 16 in the US, it is thought he too may do so sooner or later. Thus, a generation of greatness will pass into history as the two battled for years for the title of the greatest footballer on the planet.

Messi’s Earlier Retirement Call

This is not the first time Messi has announced he is calling it quits. It happened in 2016 too after twin setbacks in the 2014 World Cup final and then the 2016 Copa America, where Chile shocked Argentina in the final. But he was persuaded by his teammates and coaches to stay on in his quest for silverware for his country. The victory in Qatar was followed by two Copa America titles. But the quest for a second World Cup title ended in tears, and it was clear back in July that Messi had no more petrol left in the tank, his famed legs letting him down in the final.

A Career Filled With Honours

In addition, Messi had also been part of the Argentina team that won the FIFA Under-19 World Cup in 2005 plus gold in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. With six World Cups—and three finals—behind him and second on the list of goal scorers with 21, there was not much left for Messi to prove. Comparisons with his legendary late compatriot Diego Maradona are inevitable. Suffice it to say they were both all-time greats in their own right. The football world can look back with appreciation as the mantle of greatness now passes from Ronaldo and Messi to the younger generation.

Published on: Tuesday, September 01, 2026, 09:59 PM IST