Lionel Messi has brought the curtain down on an extraordinary 21-year international career, announcing his retirement from Argentina duty six weeks after the country’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The 39-year-old leaves the international stage as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the Albiceleste.
His journey with Argentina began in 2005 as an 18-year-old and evolved from a difficult introduction to a remarkable era of triumph, heartbreak and redemption.
A Nightmare International Debut
Messi’s first appearance for Argentina came in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest in 2005, but it lasted barely 90 seconds.
Introduced as a substitute, the teenage forward was shown a red card after the referee deemed that he had used his elbow.
The setback was quickly forgotten as Messi began establishing himself in the national team.
He made his World Cup debut at Germany 2006, coming on in Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro and scoring the final goal.
It was his first World Cup appearance and his first goal at the tournament — the beginning of what would become a remarkable World Cup story.
Brazil 2014: First World Cup Final
By the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi had already established himself as one of football’s greatest players following a glittering club career with Barcelona.
Yet international glory had continued to elude him.
Argentina had suffered quarter-final defeats to Germany at the 2006 and 2010 World Cups, while Messi had also endured disappointment in the Copa America.
As captain under coach Alejandro Sabella, Messi inspired Argentina through the 2014 tournament, scoring in each of their three group matches.
Although his goals dried up in the knockout stages, Argentina reached the World Cup final for the first time since 1990.
Germany, however, broke Argentine hearts at the Maracana, with Mario Gotze’s extra-time goal securing a 1-0 victory.
2016: Messi’s Lowest Point
The disappointment intensified two years later.
After Argentina lost the 2015 Copa America final to Chile on penalties, Messi returned to the Copa America Centenario in the United States determined to finally win a major international trophy.
Argentina reached the final again — only to face Chile once more.
The outcome was painfully familiar.
Chile won on penalties after a goalless draw, with Messi missing Argentina’s first kick in the shoot-out.
Heartbroken, Messi announced his retirement from international football.
“For me the national team is over,” he said at the time. “I’ve done all I can.”
But the decision lasted only six weeks.
Messi reversed his retirement and returned to the Argentina fold.
The Breakthrough: Copa America 2021
The turning point came with the arrival of Lionel Scaloni as coach.
Under Scaloni, Argentina developed into a more cohesive and resilient side, with Messi finally beginning to enjoy the international success that had long eluded him.
In 2021, Argentina travelled to Brazil for the Copa America and defeated the hosts 1-0 in the final at the Maracana, with Angel Di Maria scoring the decisive goal.
The victory ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major international trophy and gave Messi his first senior title with his country.
Qatar 2022: The Crowning Glory
If Messi had retired after the 2022 World Cup, his international career would already have been complete.
At 35 and playing for Paris Saint-Germain, he produced arguably his finest World Cup campaign, scoring seven goals and providing three assists in seven matches.
Argentina recovered from a shock opening defeat by Saudi Arabia to reach the final, where Messi delivered another unforgettable performance against France.
He scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw and converted his penalty in the shoot-out as Argentina prevailed to lift the World Cup for the third time.
Messi finally achieved the prize that had defined his international career.
“Obviously I wanted to finish my career with this. I can’t ask for any more,” he said after the triumph.
Yet he decided to continue playing for Argentina as world champions.
Another Final, Another Heartbreak
Messi subsequently captained Argentina to another major title at the 2024 Copa America before leading the team into the 2026 World Cup in the United States.
Despite approaching his 39th birthday, Messi again defied expectations, scoring eight goals in Argentina’s first five matches and helping them reach another World Cup final.
The tournament further cemented his place in World Cup history.
Messi has played a record 34 World Cup matches, scoring 21 goals, and became only the second player to feature in three World Cup finals.
But his final chapter with Argentina ended in disappointment.
The Albiceleste were beaten by Spain in extra time in the 2026 final, denying Messi a second World Cup triumph and providing an unexpectedly painful ending to one of the greatest international careers in football history.
From a red card on his debut in 2005 to World Cup glory in Qatar, Copa America triumphs and another final appearance in 2026, Messi’s 21-year Argentina journey delivered virtually everything football could offer — except an entirely perfect ending. Culled from AFP
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