Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, stepping away as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. His final contribution included eight goals and four assists during the 2026 World Cup. Reflecting on his departure, the legendary captain stated, “I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give.”
His illustrious career featured historic successes, including lifting the trophy at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as securing Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. However, the trajectory of his international legacy was nearly cut short a decade ago.
On June 26, 2016, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Messi faced a crushing defeat when Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile in a penalty shootout. Having missed his own spot-kick just two days after turning 29, a tearful Messi announced his immediate retirement from the national team after 113 appearances.
At that time, the frustration was palpable. Argentina had suffered heartbreaking losses in the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa America finals in 2007, 2015, and 2016. Expressing his despair, Messi remarked, “It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone. For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.”
The six-week period between that June announcement and his August 12 reversal—where he cited his “love of the country” as the reason to continue—is now viewed as one of the most pivotal chapters in football history. Had he remained retired, the world would have been denied the most successful decade of his international career.
Following that U-turn, Messi went on to make an additional 94 appearances for Argentina, scoring 70 more goals and securing four major international trophies. This remarkable turnaround transformed his narrative from one of near-misses to one of sustained dominance.
As he concludes his time with the national side, the debate regarding whether he holds the title for the greatest international career in the history of the sport continues to resonate among fans and analysts alike. The report also notes that he completed one of football’s greatest ever stories, over the subsequent 10 years.
