By Dorcas Francis Koji
Lionel Messi has officially brought the curtain down on his international football career after more than two decades representing Argentina, ending a remarkable journey that began with the country’s U-20 side and culminated in his role as captain of the senior national team.
The 39 year-old announced his decision on Monday, saying he had given everything he could to the national team and felt there was “nothing more to give.”
Messi disclosed that he made the decision shortly after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, while the death of his father later strengthened his resolve to step away from international football.
Despite ending his Argentina career without the perfect farewell, Messi leaves behind one of the most decorated international careers in football history.
Historic achievements with Argentina
Messi guided Argentina to three major international trophies, leading the team to Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
Across 207 appearances for the national team, he contributed directly to 185 goals, scoring 125 times and providing 60 assists.
The majority of his international goals came from his favoured left foot, with more than 110 of his 125 goals scored with it.
Messi also holds the record for the most World Cup appearances, having featured in six editions of the tournament. His 34 World Cup appearances are unmatched, while he also holds records for the most World Cup victories, with 23, and the most assists, with 12.
He scored six World Cup goals from outside the penalty area, another tournament record.
The Argentine icon became one of the few players to start three World Cup finals, featuring in the 2014, 2022 and 2026 showpieces.
At 39 years and 25 days, he also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup final when Argentina faced Spain in the 2026 decider.
Messi finished his international career with 35 goals across the World Cup, Copa América and other major continental competitions, the highest tally in men’s international major tournaments.
He also recorded 11 international hat-tricks, including one during Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
At the World Cup alone, Messi scored 21 goals. He briefly held the men’s tournament record during the 2026 competition before France forward Kylian Mbappé moved ahead with 22 goals.
Difficult moments and unwanted records
For all his success, Messi’s international career also contained painful moments.
He scored seven World Cup penalties but missed three, including two during the 2026 tournament. That made him the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties in the same edition, excluding shootouts.
His Argentina career began on a difficult note. Messi made his senior debut as a substitute against Hungary on August 17, 2005, but was sent off less than a minute after coming on following an incident involving Hungarian defender Vilmos Vanczák.
He also previously announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat by Chile in the 2016 Copa América final. However, he reversed the decision and returned to lead the national team.
A remarkable legacy
Messi’s international journey started with a red card and ended with Argentina falling short in the 2026 World Cup final, denying him a fourth major international title.
Nevertheless, his achievements with La Albiceleste have cemented his place among the greatest players in football history.
From ending Argentina’s long wait for a major trophy at the 2021 Copa América to winning the 2022 World Cup and adding another continental crown in 2024, Messi played a defining role in one of the most successful eras in Argentine football.
His numbers, trophies, longevity and leadership ensure that his Argentina legacy will remain difficult to match for generations to come.
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