Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi has retired from international football, bringing an extraordinary career with the Argentina national team to an end.
Messi leaves the national team after playing 207 matches and scoring 125 goals, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer. During his international career, he won two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
His retirement marks the end of one of the most important chapters in Argentine football history.
A Difficult Beginning
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005. However, his first appearance did not go as planned.
He was sent off only about 90 seconds after coming onto the field. The early setback did not stop him from developing into one of the greatest players in the history of the national team.
Over the following years, Messi became the main attacking player for Argentina and carried much of the team’s hopes in major tournaments.
Years of Disappointment
For a long time, international success was difficult for Messi.
Argentina reached several major tournament finals during his career but failed to win the trophies. Messi faced heavy criticism whenever the team fell short.
The disappointment reached a high point in 2016, when Argentina lost the Copa America final.
Following that defeat, Messi announced his retirement from international football. However, his retirement did not last.
He later returned to the national team and continued his career under coach Lionel Scaloni.
Turning the Story Around
Scaloni’s arrival marked a major change for Argentina.
Under his leadership, the team became more confident and consistent. Messi also found a strong connection with his teammates.
Argentina finally ended its long wait for a major international trophy by winning the Copa America in 2021.
The victory was especially meaningful for Messi because it was his first major senior international title with Argentina.
World Cup Glory
The biggest moment of Messi’s international career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Argentina reached the final and faced France in one of the most exciting World Cup matches in history.
Messi scored twice in the final and also converted his penalty during the shootout.
Argentina eventually won the match on penalties and lifted the World Cup trophy.
The victory completed a major part of Messi’s career and ended years of debate about whether he could win the biggest international title with his country.
Continued Success
Messi continued playing for Argentina after the World Cup.
The team also won the 2024 Copa America, giving Messi another international trophy.
Even as he became older, Messi continued to perform at a high level and remained an important part of Argentina’s team.
His experience, creativity and leadership continued to influence younger players around him.
Final World Cup Appearance
Messi’s final international tournament came at the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina’s campaign eventually ended with a defeat against Spain, providing a disappointing final chapter to his World Cup career.
Despite the result, Messi’s achievements at the tournament and throughout his international career remain remarkable.
A Record-Breaking Career
Messi’s numbers with Argentina underline his importance to the national team.
He finished with 207 appearances and 125 goals, making him the country’s most-capped player and highest scorer.
He also appeared in six World Cups, more than any other player.
His international career included difficult defeats, emotional comebacks and historic victories.
A Lasting Legacy
Messi’s journey with Argentina was very different from the simple success story often associated with sporting legends.
He experienced years of criticism and heartbreak before finally reaching the highest level of international success.
His Copa America victories and World Cup triumph changed the way his international career will be remembered.
For Argentina, Messi was more than just a goal scorer. He became the face of the national team and a source of inspiration for millions of supporters.
His decision to retire brings an important era in Argentine football to a close.
Although Messi will no longer represent Argentina on the international stage, his records, trophies and unforgettable performances will remain a major part of the country’s football history.
The famous No. 10 shirt will now enter a new chapter, but Messi’s influence on Argentina is likely to remain for generations.