Messi, Neymar, Mahrez among football stars to retire from international football after 2026 World Cup

The 2026 FIFA World Cup marked the end of an era for several prominent footballers, with a number of established stars announcing their retirement from international football.

Among the biggest names stepping away from their national teams are Lionel Messi, Neymar and Riyad Mahrez, bringing the curtain down on international careers that spanned several major tournaments.

Lionel Messi

Argentina captain Lionel Messi ended his international career after leading his country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The former Barcelona star leaves international football as one of Argentina’s most decorated players, having played a central role in the country’s successes during his career.

Messi previously led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar and also won the Copa America with the national team.

Neymar

Brazilian star Neymar also called time on his international career following the tournament.

One of the most recognisable Brazilian players of his generation, Neymar represented his country at multiple World Cups and became Brazil’s all-time leading men’s international goalscorer.

Riyad Mahrez

Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez also announced his retirement from international football.

Mahrez played a major role in Algeria’s success at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and remained one of the country’s leading players for several years.

Sadio Mane

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane is another prominent African footballer to step away from international duty.

The former Liverpool forward played an important role in one of the most successful periods in Senegal’s football history.

Edouard Mendy

Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy has also announced his retirement from international football.

Mendy was part of the Senegal team that won the Africa Cup of Nations and established himself as one of the continent’s leading goalkeepers during his international career.

Other players step away

Several other established players have also announced their retirement from international football, marking a major generational transition for a number of national teams following the 2026 World Cup.

The departures mean their respective countries will now begin preparing for future competitions without some of the players who defined the previous decade of international football.