Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on the last day of August, and accolades have poured in for the Rosario-born diminutive attacking maestro for his legacy with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old enjoyed a 21-year rollercoaster ride with La Albiceleste, scoring 125 goals and providing 68 assists while winning three major trophies. We take a look at the memorable moments that cemented La Pulga’s international pedigree and legacy as arguably the best player in the world.
Messi made his debut for his country in Argentina’s 2-1 international friendly win over Hungary. The fresh-faced youngster came on as a 64th-minute substitute, but disaster struck 43 seconds into his introduction when his trailing arm struck his opponent’s neck after a successful dribble. German referee Markus Merk showed him a straight red card, and Messi reportedly cried in the dressing room.
Messi netted a stunning hat-trick to lead Argentina to a 4-3 win over perennial rivals Brazil in a friendly match in the US. The pick of the bunch was a 30-yard solo run that ended with a strike into the top corner. His performance came during a period of recovery for the Argentines, who hosted but failed to win the Copa America.
Despite heartbreaks and poor performances by the national team, Messi became the country’s record international goalscorer in 2016 during the Copa America Centenario semi-final against Uruguay. A 25-yard free kick was his 55th international strike, breaking legendary striker Gabriel Batistuta’s long-standing record.
Disaster struck again for Argentina in the 2016 Copa America Centenario final when Chile retained the title, beating Argentina on penalties after a goalless stalemate. A sobbing Messi shockingly announced his retirement in his post-match interview after Argentina’s fourth loss in the competition’s final.
“It hurts me more than anyone, but it is evident that this is not for me. For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion,” Messi said.
Messi’s return to the national team became a national project led by then-President Mauricio Macri, who called the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner directly and launched the “Don’t Leave Lio” hashtag. Diego Maradona and all Argentina players also joined the recall campaign, while long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo also took to social media to call for Messi to return.
Messi ended his retirement after just six weeks, with the then-29-year-old saying his love for Argentina and its national team was too great. He celebrated his return against Uruguay in September. Fittingly, Messi scored the only goal in Argentina’s 1-0 FIFA World Cup qualifier win.
The 2021 Copa America brought Messi his first taste of international silverware with the senior national team, 16 years after his debut. A 1-0 win over Argentina’s bitter rivals Brazil at their Maracana Stadium provided the perfect setting for Messi’s maiden senior international honour.
Messi made Wembley Stadium his playground as he delivered a masterclass in playmaking to lead Argentina to a 3-0 win over Italy in the 2022 Finalissima, a match that pits the Copa America winners against the reigning European champions. La Pulga was named man of the match for his assist and dominant performance.
Messi literally dragged Argentina into the Qatar 2022 World Cup final and led them to victory over France to capture the country’s third World Cup trophy. He scored seven goals and provided three assists. He scored in every knockout round, including twice in the final, and was named the best player of the tournament.
Messi was the jewel among a thuggish Argentina team at the 2026 World Cup, scoring eight goals and providing four assists to put his country on the cusp of a successful World Cup defence, but Spain humbled the South Americans with an extra-time heartbreak.
In a bombshell letter revealed on August 31, Messi announced his retirement from international football. He revealed that the World Cup final loss and the death of his father were major factors in his retirement. The 2024 Copa America winner also cited the influx of dependable youngsters as a calming influence on his decision to retire.
