Lionel Messi has retired from international football at 39, bringing to a close the best-ever international football career of a man who has worn an Argentina shirt. Lionel Messi leaves behind a rich heritage as the top goalscorer and appearance-maker for his nation after helping Argentina win the FIFA World Cup in 2022, Copa America twice (2021 & 2024), and another World Cup final in 2026.
However, the career of Lionel Messi in international football could have been totally different.
A decade ago, Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football after another heartbreaking defeat in the final. What happened next was truly phenomenal and gave his career with Argentina a whole new twist.
Why Did Lionel Messi Retire from the Argentina National Team in 2016?
Argentina lost the Copa America Centenario final to Chile via penalties at MetLife Stadium, New Jersey, on June 26, 2016.
It was another crushing loss for Messi following the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 Copa America final, both of which Argentina had lost.
At the tender age of 29, Messi felt that he was unable to take the pressure anymore.
Following the loss, Messi stated that he would be retiring from the national team as he had tried his best but failed to bring home a trophy, which was very important for Argentina.
This was quite shocking for Argentina as Messi was already their highest goalscorer in history. His inability to win a senior international title made him an easy target for criticism.
How Argentina Got Messi Back on Their Side
Lionel Messi’s retirement instantly brought about a mass appeal campaign urging him to change his mind.
It wasn’t just limited to football as politicians from Argentina also asked Messi to come back while fans of the country showed how much they loved their national sports hero.
The new coach of the Argentina squad, Edgardo Bauza, was in Spain and personally asked Lionel Messi to play for the country again.
Within two months of hanging up his boots, Messi made a U-turn.
“I love this country and this shirt too much,” he said about his return.
His decision would go on to make Argentine football history.
Messi’s International Redemption
Lionel Messi returned to the national side, but he didn’t have an immediate happy ending.
After Argentina’s elimination of Argentina by France in the 16th of the 2018 World Cup, the debate about the success of Messi in winning a major senior international title went on.
Then everything changed.
In 2021, Argentina beat Brazil in the final of the Copa America at the Maracana stadium, making Messi win his first major senior international trophy.
After one year, he won his second major trophy.
At the 2022 World Cup that took place in Qatar, Messi led Argentina to victory after beating France in the final of the tournament.
The player who was previously accused of letting down Argentina had finally brought the cup that his country needed.
Then Argentina secured the 2024 Copa America trophy, adding to their dominance in the latter stages of Messi’s career.
Messi’s Last Argentina Career Statistics
Messi leaves international football with an exceptional career statistics record.
| Record | Messi’s Argentina Career |
| International appearances | 207 |
| International goals | 125 |
| World Cups won | 1 |
| Copas America won | 2 |
| World Cup finals played in | 3 |
| Argentina debut | 2005 |
| Argentina retirement | 2026 |
He is Argentina’s most-capped player and highest goal scorer, playing for his country for over 20 years.
In the 2026 World Cup, the last of Messi’s career, Argentina managed to make it to the final stage, but Spain beat them 1-0 in extra time.
Catch up on the latest African sports stories!
Why Was FKF Season Delayed?
Check out the legal battle shaping Kenya’s 2026/27 Premier League kick-off.
How Did Springboks Level Series?
Uncover South Africa’s thrilling 33-26 win and Rassie Erasmus’ response to critics.
Who Is Malawi’s Rising Star?
Discover Chawinga’s standout rise despite Malawi’s WAFCON dream coming to an end.
What Happened to Boxer Tete?
Find the latest details surrounding the shocking killing of former world champion Tete.
Why Are Morocco and Algeria Meeting?
Explore how the WAFCON semi-final upsets set up their third-place showdown.
