Messi Just Left Argentina, and Spain’s 33-Year-Old International Also Retires After World Cup Triumph

The World Cup is an important milestone in the careers of many players. Some players choose to say goodbye to their national teams or retire directly after the tournament. After the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, 39-year-old Messi said farewell to the national team he had represented for 21 years. Just after Messi left Argentina, Spain’s 33-year-old international also retired from the national team, ending his international career after winning the World Cup.

Messi made 207 appearances for Argentina, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists. He participated in six World Cups, winning one title and two runner-up finishes, and won two Copa América titles, three runner-up finishes, as well as one CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions title. Messi holds many World Cup records. Although he was unable to lead Argentina to defend the title at the 2026 World Cup, his career has already been highly successful. Messi achieved a career Grand Slam and is widely regarded as the greatest player in history.

Messi used the World Cup final as his final appearance for the national team, and 38-year-old Argentina center-back Nicolás Otamendi did the same. In addition, 40-year-old Manuel Neuer left the Germany national team after the team lost to Paraguay at the World Cup, while Germany center-back Antonio Rüdiger, aged 33, also retired. Klopp, after taking charge as Germany head coach, will not have the chance to coach Neuer or Rüdiger.

Rüdiger was not very old when he retired from international football, and now Llorente has also retired from Spain’s national team. He is two years younger than Rüdiger and is still in his prime. Llorente came through Real Madrid’s youth system and joined Atlético Madrid after leaving Real Madrid in 2019. Llorente is a versatile player who can play right-back, right midfield and central midfield positions. He contributes both offensively and defensively, and once recorded 13 goals and 12 assists in a single season for Atlético Madrid. His market value once reached 80 million euros, while his current value is 20 million euros.

Llorente made 27 appearances for Spain and provided four assists. At the 2026 World Cup, he played three times for La Roja as a backup right-back for Porro. In fact, Llorente is still young and could have continued to be selected for Spain, but he chose to retire at this moment. Given Spain’s strength, they are also among the favorites for the next European Championship and World Cup, meaning Llorente gave up the opportunity to continue competing. Of course, after winning one World Cup title, his national team career has already been highly accomplished, considering how many top players have never reached a World Cup.

Interestingly, Atlético Madrid have four Spanish World Cup-winning members in their squad. Besides Llorente, there are Baena, Grimaldo and Puvill. Atlético Madrid also have four Argentina internationals, Julián Álvarez, Giuliano Simeone, Romero and Musso, who play alongside each other at club level.

There is one question: it remains to be seen when 41-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo will make way for Portugal’s younger players.