Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to a remarkable Argentina career that included World Cup glory, two Copa América crowns and a record number of appearances.
Key takeaways
- Messi represented Argentina 207 times, more than any other player in the nation’s history.
- He captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and was voted the tournament’s best player.
- His senior international honours include Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024.
- Messi also collected Olympic gold and the FIFA U-20 World Cup during his Argentina career.
- He retires as Argentina’s leading scorer and the South American record-holder for men’s international appearances.
Argentina career and major titles
Now 39, Messi departs with 207 caps for Argentina. His record includes the 2022 World Cup triumph, a runners-up finish in 2014 and another second-place result in 2026, as well as two Copa América championships.
In an emotional message, Messi said the choice had been painful and remained so “deep down”, but that he recognised the moment had arrived. He added that he had always given everything for the national team.
The Inter Miami forward leaves as the most successful player in Argentina’s history. He ended a 28-year wait for a major senior trophy when he inspired the team to the 2021 Copa América title.
His achievements began before the senior side. Messi won the FIFA U-20 World Cup and later secured Olympic gold, establishing an international record that stretched across multiple generations.
Argentina’s long-awaited World Cup success finally came in Qatar in 2022. Messi produced a series of outstanding displays, led the team past France in a memorable final and received the award for the tournament’s best player.
The 2021 Copa América was especially meaningful because it represented Messi’s first major senior international championship. Argentina retained the trophy in 2024.
He also helped Argentina overcome Italy at Wembley Stadium to win the revived Finalissima.
Messi was a member of the Argentina side that claimed Olympic gold in China.
Individual achievements with Argentina
His leading personal distinctions for Argentina include:
- 1. FIFA World Cup Golden Ball: 2014 and 2022
- 2. FIFA World Cup Silver Ball: 2026
- 4. Copa América Best Young Player: 2007
- 5. Copa América Golden Boot: 2021, shared
- 6. FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Ball: 2005
- 7. FIFA U-20 World Cup Golden Shoe: 2005
- 8. Argentina’s record appearance holder
- 9. Argentina’s all-time top scorer
- 10. The South American player with the most appearances in men’s international football
Messi’s international journey started in 2005 and lasted for more than 20 years. It included painful losses before he guided Argentina into one of the most triumphant eras in the country’s football history.
