Lionel Messi Retires: A Look Back at his Illustrious International Career

Messi announced his retirement from international football on August 31, bringing an extraordinary chapter with Argentina to an end

Messi’s international career began as an 18-year-old in 2005. His first game ended for the wrong reasons after he received a red card just 90 seconds after coming on against Hungary

Messi marked his FIFA World Cup debut with a goal, scoring against Serbia and Montenegro on June 16 during the 2006 edition

His first international hat-trick came against Switzerland in Bern in 2012, with the forward producing a brilliant individual display

Messi captained Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, where it lost to 0-1 Germany after extra time. He scored four goals in the tournament and was awarded the Golden Ball

In 2016, Messi suffered another heartbreaking defeat as Argentina lost to Chile on penalties in the Copa America final. He subsequently announced his retirement from international football, before reversing his decision later that year

In 2021, the wait finally ended. Messi led Argentina to Copa America glory, ending the nation’s 28-year wait for a major men’s senior international trophy. He was also named the tournament’s best player

At the 2022 World Cup, the captain delivered the defining moment of his international career, scoring twice in the final against France as Argentina lifted the trophy after a dramatic penalty shootout. It was Argentina’s first World Cup title in 36 years

In 2024, Messi added another major trophy as Argentina defeated Colombia to win the Copa America for a second consecutive edition

At the 2026 World Cup, Messi added to his remarkable World Cup scoring record, finishing with an overall World Cup tally of 21 goals

Argentina reached the final once again, but Messi and his teammates suffered a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain

With 125 goals, Messi finishes his career as the second-highest scorer in men’s international football, behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146