Lionel Messi: Messi’s Argentina story began in 2005, when he made his senior debut against Hungary and was sent off moments after coming on as a substitute. Few debuts have looked so unpromising. Few careers that followed have been so remarkable.
The Numbers Behind the Legend
Heading into the farewell, Messi had 207 caps and 125 goals, making him Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more international goals. Messi also holds the record for the most assists in international football.
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The Trophies That Completed the Story
For years, a major title with Argentina seemed to be the one thing missing. Then it all arrived. Messi won the Copa América in 2021, the Finalissima and the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and another Copa América in 2024. Together with the Olympic gold from 2008, that is a full set.
A Painful Goodbye at the 2026 World Cup
Messi’s last tournament ended in heartbreak, with Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain in extra time in the final at MetLife Stadium. Soon afterwards, he announced his retirement from international football, saying the decision hurt deeply but that the time had come. He said he had given everything and that a new generation deserved its chance.
The Farewell Argentina Wanted
Lionel Messi: Argentina’s football association did not want the story to end in New Jersey. It invited Messi to say goodbye at home, on October 6 at the Monumental in Buenos Aires. All 85,018 tickets sold out in under two hours, and members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad were invited to join the celebrations. Messi wore a special gold-detailed shirt for the occasion.
Messi’s national team career is over, but his place in Argentine football history is permanent. He remains under contract at Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, so fans can still watch him play. For a generation of Argentines, though, he will always be the captain who finally brought the world’s biggest trophy home.
