The Incredible Saga of Lionel Messi’s Argentina Career: From World Cup Glory to New Milestones, A Champion Bids Adieu
LIONEL MESSI has announced his retirement from international football after achieving the highest honors with Argentina.
The 39-year-old wraps up his career with the national team shortly after playing in his third World Cup final.
During his international career, Messi earned 207 caps, debuting under Jose Nestor Pekerman in 2005.
The former Barcelona star secured four major trophies with Argentina: Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022, and the World Cup in Qatar.
This last victory represented the zenith of Messi’s remarkable career, where he scored twice in the final and ultimately triumphed over France in a penalty shootout.
In total, Messi scored 21 goals in 34 World Cup matches, ranking him second in all-time World Cup scoring, just one goal short of Kylian Mbappe.
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The legendary player from Rosario has scored 125 goals for Argentina, making him the second highest scorer in international football history.
In addition to his 21 World Cup goals, Messi netted 14 times in Copa America tournaments, 36 during qualifiers, and 54 in friendly matches.
His goal total is bested only by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has tallied 146 goals for Portugal.
Messi is also second in international appearances, trailing Ronaldo, who has played 233 times for his country compared to Messi’s 207.
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Lionel Messi’s official statement
After much reflection since the final, I want to announce my retirement from the national team…
This decision is agonizing and continues to hurt, but I believe it’s time. I assure you that I have always put forth my best effort—not only in the recent years when we succeeded but throughout my entire journey. I have tirelessly fought and devoted myself to this jersey to bring happiness and pride to Argentinians through football.
Time is fleeting, and chapters are concluding, this one in particular being quite tough for me. I have cherished, and always will cherish, the opportunity to represent my country. I’ve given everything I had, and there’s nothing more I can offer; additionally, many talented young players are rising who deserve the chance.
Thank you for your unwavering support over these 20 years. I will genuinely miss the atmosphere. Henceforth, I’ll be rooting for you all from the sidelines (through thick and thin, particularly during challenging times).
I’m thankful to my family for their support throughout this beautiful yet demanding journey. I appreciate every coach, teammate, and manager with whom I had the honor to work. I carry countless unforgettable memories and experiences with me.
I leave with tranquility and pride for having shared surreal moments with all of you, thanks to my teammates. Experiencing this journey together has been invaluable. I love you!
Thank you, God, for allowing me to be Argentinian.
Go Argentina!
*I wrote this message on July 21st, two days after the final. In light of recent events, I am even more convinced of this choice.
Last October, Messi reached his 60th international assist, surpassing former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate Neymar to become the leading assist provider in international football history.
He later extended this record to an impressive 68 assists for his country.
Apart from his senior achievements with Argentina, Messi also excelled at the 2008 Olympics, winning a gold medal.
The young Messi, sporting his characteristic shaggy hair, scored twice and provided three assists in five matches for Argentina’s U-23 Olympic squad.
This journey reached its pinnacle with a 1-0 victory over Nigeria at the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing during the gold medal match.
Upon announcing his retirement from international play, Messi stated: “After all this time since the final and after extensive reflection, I want to let everyone know that I’m stepping away from the national team…”
“This was a decision that brought significant grief and remains painful, but I understand it’s the right moment.”
“I promise you, I’ve always poured everything I had into this role, not just in the last few years when we won, but also in the years prior.”
“I have relentlessly battled and given everything to this shirt, bringing joy and pride to being Argentine through football.”
“As time goes on, different chapters are closing.”
“This one is particularly heavy on me. I loved, cherished, and will forever value my time with the national team. I have contributed every ounce of my being, and there’s nothing left for me to give.”
“Moreover, numerous incredible young players are ready to embrace this chance.”