Lionel bids farewell: A timeline of Messi’s Argentina career; Major milestones, records

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss against Spain over the summer.

Updated : Oct 07, 2026 04:02 IST , Chennai - 3 MINS READ

At the 2026 World Cup, Messi added to his remarkable World Cup scoring record, finishing with an overall World Cup tally of 21 goals.  | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Lionel Messi will wear Argentina colours for one last time when the nation takes on Benin in an international friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final loss against Spain over the summer.

The 39-year-old will bring an end to an international career that began in 2005, since which he has become the nation’s most capped player as well as its all-time leading scorer.

Take a look at a timeline of Messi’s international career:

Debut

Messi’s international career began as an 18-year-old in 2005. His first game on August 17 ended for the wrong reasons after he received a red card just 90 seconds after coming on against Hungary.

First goal

On March 1, 2006, Messi scored the first of his 125 international goals, which came against Croatia in a friendly.

FIFA World Cup debut

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

First hat-trick

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

FIFA World Cup 2014

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.

Goal No. 50

He scored his 50th international goal during a 2-0 win over Bolivia on March 29, 2016. It was a penalty conversion as the Argentines triumphed in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier.

First retirement in 2016

In 2016, Messi suffered another heart-breaking 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.

First Copa America title win

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.

FIFA World Cup 2022 glory

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.

Goal No. 100

Messi scaled Mount 100 during Argentina’s 7-0 rout of Curacao on March 28, 2023. He bagged a hat-trick on the day, but it was his first strike which was his 100th goal in Argentina colours.

The second Copa America title

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

FIFA World Cup goals tally

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 0-1 extra-time defeat to Spain

Second-highest goalscorer in history

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

Published on Oct 07, 2026

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