FULL LIST: From Messi to Fofana: Footballers who announced international retirement

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, several prominent footballers announced their retirement from international football. Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain, announced his retirement after leading his team to the final. Messi holds the record for the most appearances and goals for Argentina, with 207 caps and 125 goals respectively. He will make a farewell appearance for Argentina against Benin on October 6.

Neymar, the Brazilian superstar, also ended his international career following the World Cup. The forward, who debuted for Brazil in 2010, played in four World Cups before announcing his retirement. He has made 91 appearances for Brazil, scoring 31 goals, and is the team's leading goalscorer at the World Cup with six goals.

James Rodríguez, the Colombian captain, announced his international retirement on September 15. With 131 appearances and 43 assists, Rodríguez is Colombia's all-time leading appearance maker and assist provider at the international level. He is also the World Cup's leading scorer for Colombia with six goals.

Manuel Neuer, the German goalkeeper, ended his international career after the World Cup. Neuer previously retired from international football after Euro 2024 but returned to the national team for the tournament. He was a key figure in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph.

Guillermo Ochoa, the Mexican goalkeeper, also announced his retirement from international football after the World Cup. Ochoa, who made a brief appearance during Mexico's 2026 campaign, became one of Mexico's most recognizable players during his international career.

Riyad Mahrez of Algeria and Édouard Mendy of Senegal retired from international football after their respective teams' elimination from the World Cup. Mahrez, who made his World Cup debut in 2014, scored twice before Algeria's exit. Mendy, a 34-year-old goalkeeper, finished his Senegal career with 59 appearances.

Iñaki Williams of Ghana and Edin Džeko of Bosnia and Herzegovina also announced their international retirements after their teams' Round of 32 defeats. Williams played 28 times for Ghana, while Džeko, the country's record goalscorer and appearance-maker, is set to play his final match against Sweden in the UEFA Nations League.

Finally, Seko Fofana of Côte d'Ivoire announced his retirement on September 14. The 31-year-old midfielder made 34 appearances and scored seven goals for his country, including in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.