Another World Cup-winning footballer retires after Messi

With Lionel Messi's departure from international football still fresh, another World Cup-winning footballer has bid farewell to the national team. Spain's World Cup-winning defender Marcos Llorente has announced his retirement from international football.

The 31-year-old Spanish star said goodbye to the Spain national team jersey with an emotional message on his official Instagram account on Thursday (September 3). Although he has left international football, he will continue to play club football.

Retirement from the national team at the age of 31

Marcos Llorente's decision to retire is surprising to many. Because he is only 31 and he recently became the world champion for Spain in the 2026 World Cup.

However, Llorente said that going to the World Cup or winning the World Cup for Spain was not the reason for his decision to retire. He had already made the decision to withdraw from the national team.

In his farewell message, he said that he decided to say goodbye to the national team after much thought and personal feelings. He also said that he will remember the experiences he had for Spain for the rest of his life.

Lorient, a member of the World Cup-winning team

Spain achieved historic success in the 2026 World Cup. Spain won the World Cup title by defeating Argentina 1-0 in the final held in New Jersey on July 19.

Lorient did not get a chance to play in the final. However, he was an important member of Spain's World Cup-winning team throughout the tournament. This versatile footballer played three matches for Spain in the World Cup and made one assist.

This title for Spain was the biggest achievement of Lorient's international career.

27 matches for Spain

Marcos Lorient made his debut for the Spain national team in 2020. After that, he played a total of 27 matches for the national team until 2026.

Although he could not score a goal for the national team, he assisted four goals with his teammates. He also played for Spain in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup was his second World Cup. Lorient ended his international career as a member of the world champion team.

Lorient continues to play club football

Although he has said goodbye to the national team, Marcos Lorient is not saying goodbye to football just yet. His journey in club football will continue.

At the beginning of his career for Real Madrid, he won major titles such as the Champions League and the Club World Cup. Later, he joined Atletico Madrid and won the La Liga title.

This footballer, who has been playing for Atletico Madrid since 2019, has also extended his contract with the club. As a result, he will be seen in club football for the time being.

Lorient's departure after Messi

Lorient's retirement announcement within a few days of Lionel Messi's departure from international football has created new discussions among football fans.

After Messi said goodbye to his long international career for Argentina, a World Cup-winning Spanish footballer has also withdrawn from the national team. However, unlike Messi, Lorient is not ending his entire football career; he will continue to play club football.

Lorient's decision to retire from the national team at the age of 31, having been a member of the World Cup-winning team, will undoubtedly be a controversial event in Spanish football.