Lionel Messi’s international career with Argentina has come to an emotional end after 21 remarkable years filled with triumph, heartbreak, controversy and redemption.
The 39-year-old Rosario-born superstar announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, bringing down the curtain on a journey that saw him become Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the greatest players in the history of the national team.
From his unforgettable debut in 2006 to his World Cup triumph in Qatar and his second World Cup final appearance in 2026, Messi’s relationship with Argentina was anything but ordinary.
Here are 10 moments that defined his remarkable journey with La Albiceleste.
1. A nightmare debut in 2006
Messi’s senior Argentina debut against Hungary was supposed to mark the beginning of a glorious international career. Instead, it lasted just over a minute.
The teenage forward was introduced as a substitute but was shown a straight red card only 43 seconds later after an incident with an opponent. Reports said Messi was left in tears in the dressing room.
Few could have imagined that the teenager would eventually become Argentina’s most celebrated footballer.
2. A hat-trick against Brazil
Messi announced his arrival on the international stage with a spectacular performance against Argentina’s fiercest rivals, Brazil.
He scored a stunning hat-trick in a 4-3 friendly victory in the United States, including a memorable solo effort that ended with a powerful strike into the top corner.
It was one of the early performances that convinced Argentina supporters they had a generational talent on their hands.
3. Breaking Batistuta’s scoring record
In 2016, Messi surpassed Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina’s leading international goalscorer.
He achieved the feat during the Copa America Centenario semi-final against the United States with a trademark free-kick, taking his international tally to 55 goals.
The record cemented Messi’s place among Argentina’s greatest-ever goalscorers.
4. The shock retirement of 2016
One of the darkest moments of Messi’s international career came after Argentina lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile on penalties.
Following yet another heartbreaking defeat in a major final, Messi announced his retirement from international football.
“I’ve done all I can,” he said after the match, visibly devastated.
The announcement sent shockwaves across Argentina and the football world.
5. Argentina begs Messi to return
Messi’s decision to quit the national team triggered an extraordinary campaign for his return.
Then-President Mauricio Macri personally appealed to him, while Diego Maradona, Argentina’s players and millions of supporters urged the superstar to reconsider.
Even Cristiano Ronaldo publicly encouraged Messi to continue representing his country.
The campaign eventually succeeded.
6. Messi returns — and scores immediately
Messi ended his retirement after just six weeks.
His comeback could hardly have been more dramatic. In September 2016, he returned against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifier and scored the only goal of the match.
It was the perfect response from a player whose relationship with Argentina had survived another painful chapter.
7. His first major senior trophy in 2021
After years of disappointment, Messi finally won a major senior international trophy with Argentina at the 2021 Copa America.
Argentina defeated Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana Stadium, giving Messi his first major senior international title.
The victory removed one of the biggest criticisms surrounding his career: his inability to win a major trophy with Argentina.
8. Finalissima masterclass
Messi followed the Copa America triumph with another international trophy at Wembley in 2022.
Argentina defeated European champions Italy 3-0 in the Finalissima, with Messi delivering an outstanding creative performance and being named man of the match.
The victory further strengthened the belief that Argentina had entered a golden era under Messi’s leadership.
9. World Cup glory in Qatar
The defining moment of Messi’s international career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
After helping Argentina reach the final, Messi scored twice against France in a thrilling contest that ended 3-3 after extra time. Argentina eventually prevailed on penalties to win their third World Cup.
Messi finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists and was named the tournament’s best player.
For many Argentines, the victory finally completed Messi’s international story.
10. The 2026 World Cup heartbreak — and final goodbye
Four years after lifting the World Cup, Messi led Argentina to another final in 2026.
He reportedly contributed eight goals and four assists during the tournament as Argentina attempted to defend their title. However, Spain ended their hopes with an extra-time victory in the final in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The defeat was followed by another deeply personal blow after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge, in August.
On August 31, Messi confirmed that his international journey was over.
After 21 years, 125 goals, 68 assists and three major international trophies, Argentina’s beloved No. 10 finally said goodbye.
From the heartbreak of 2016 to the glory of 2022 and the disappointment of 2026, Messi’s Argentina story was a journey of perseverance, redemption and ultimately immortality.
