For Lionel Messi, the Argentina story was never straightforward. There were spectacular goals, crushing defeats, tears, a brief international retirement and, eventually, the moment he had spent much of his career chasing.

After announcing his retirement from international football on Monday, August 31, 2026, Messi leaves behind more than 200 appearances for Argentina and a collection of memories that will define his legacy with the national team.

Here are five of the moments that stand out.

<>1. The teenage arrival – 2006

Messi was only 18 when he scored his first goal for Argentina, finding the net against Croatia in a friendly. It was an early glimpse of the extraordinary talent that would eventually become the face of Argentine football.

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<>2. The pain of Brazil – 2014

At the 2014 World Cup, Messi carried Argentina to the final and was named the tournament’s best player.

But at the Maracanã, Germany broke Argentine hearts. Mario Gotze’s extra-time goal condemned Messi to one of the most painful nights of his career.

3. “I’m done” – 2016

Perhaps the most emotional low came after another final defeat to Chile at the Copa América Centenario.

Messi missed his penalty in the shootout and, overwhelmed by the disappointment, announced his retirement from international football. Argentina would not accept the decision for long, and neither would Messi.

4. Redemption at the Maracanã – 2021

Years of frustration finally ended at the same stadium where his World Cup dream had been shattered.

Ángel Di María’s goal gave Argentina a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the Copa América final, handing Messi his first major senior international trophy.

He celebrated with tears, surrounded by teammates who had shared his journey.

5. The World Cup finally came home – 2022

Then came Qatar.

Messi scored twice in a breathtaking 3-3 final against France before converting his penalty in the shootout.

Argentina won the World Cup, Messi lifted the trophy and the greatest unfinished chapter of his career was finally complete.



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