Lionel Messi has brought his 21-year international career with Argentina to an end, finishing his journey with the national team after captaining the side against Benin in his final appearance.
The 39-year-old ended his Argentina career on a memorable note, scoring a penalty and helping his side secure a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Messi’s final appearance marked the conclusion of a remarkable journey that began with his Argentina debut in 2005 and saw him become the country’s record goalscorer, most-capped player and captain, while leading the national team to major titles including the 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Here is a look at Messi’s major achievements and some of the unwanted records and low points from his Argentina career.
Major achievements and records
Three major titles: Messi led Argentina to Copa América glory in 2021 and 2024, as well as the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Goal involvement: He was directly involved in 185 goals across 207 appearances, scoring 125 goals and providing 60 assists.
Dominant left foot: More than 110 of his 125 international goals came from his left foot.
Most World Cups played: Messi featured at six World Cup tournaments, a record no other player has matched.
World Cup appearance and contribution records: He holds the records for the most World Cup appearances with 34, most matches won with 23, most assists with 12 and most goals scored from outside the penalty area with six.
Three World Cup finals started: Messi became one of the few players to start three World Cup finals, doing so in 2014, 2022 and 2026.
Oldest outfield player in a World Cup final: At 39 years and 25 days, Messi became the oldest outfield player to feature in a World Cup final during the 2026 tournament.
Most major-tournament goals in men’s history: He scored 35 goals across the World Cup, Copa América and other continental competitions.
11 international hat-tricks: Messi scored 11 hat-tricks for Argentina, including one in the country’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup.
World Cup goals: He scored 21 World Cup goals and briefly held the all-time men’s record during the 2026 tournament before Kylian Mbappé moved ahead with 22.
Unwanted records and low points
World Cup penalties: Messi has scored seven World Cup penalties and missed three. He became the first player in World Cup history to miss two penalties at a single edition in 2026, excluding shootouts.
Disastrous debut: Messi made his Argentina debut as a substitute against Hungary on August 17, 2005, but was sent off within a minute after being judged to have elbowed Vilmos Vanczák.
Second international retirement: He previously announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost to Chile in the 2016 Copa América final, before later reversing the decision.
No perfect farewell: Messi’s international career ended with a World Cup final defeat rather than a fourth major title.
Messi’s Argentina career began with a red card and ended without the ultimate Hollywood finish. Nevertheless, his trophies, individual records and leadership during a golden generation have secured a remarkable legacy with the national team.