Messi Retires: The Glorious Triumphs and Heartbreaking Setbacks Of An Argentina Legend

Lionel Messi has brought his international football career with Argentina to an end after more than two decades, leaving behind a remarkable legacy defined by historic achievements as well as difficult moments.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the 39-year-old Argentine superstar announced his retirement on Monday, explaining that he had given everything he could to his country and had “nothing more to give.”

Messi’s greatest achievement with Argentina came in 2022 when he finally won the FIFA World Cup, a trophy that had remained one of the few major honours missing from his illustrious career. He scored seven goals during the tournament and played a crucial role in Argentina’s dramatic final victory over France.

During his international career, Messi guided Argentina to three major titles, winning the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.

He also became Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 125 goals in 207 appearances for the national team.

The legendary forward made history by appearing in six editions of the World Cup. He holds several tournament records, including 34 appearances, 23 victories and 12 assists.

Messi featured in three World Cup finals, starting the 2014, 2022 and 2026 showpieces. He also scored 35 goals across the World Cup, Copa América and other major international competitions, while recording 11 hat-tricks for Argentina.

However, his international journey was not without disappointment.

Messi was sent off less than a minute after coming on during Argentina’s 2005 match against Hungary, marking a difficult start to his senior international career.

In 2014, Argentina reached the World Cup final but suffered a 1-0 defeat to Germany after extra time, denying Messi his first opportunity to lift the trophy.

Two years later, another painful chapter followed when Argentina lost the 2016 Copa América final to Chile on penalties. Messi missed his spot-kick during the shootout and subsequently announced his retirement from international football, although he later returned to the national team.

His 2026 campaign also produced another unwanted record, as he missed two penalties during the tournament, becoming the first player to do so in a single edition, excluding penalty shootouts.

Messi’s final international appearance also ended in disappointment. He started the 2026 World Cup final, but Argentina were defeated, preventing him from signing off with a fourth major international title.

Despite the setbacks, Messi leaves the Argentina national team as one of the most decorated and influential players in the country’s history, having transformed years of near misses into an era of unprecedented international success.