In Pictures | Defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career

Lionel Messi retired from international football on August 31, 2026, after more than 200 appearances for Argentina across two decades. His journey included a red card on debut in 2005, heartbreaking finals in 2014 and 2016, a first trophy at the 2021 Copa America, World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, and a final tournament in 2026 where Spain outclassed Argentina.

At nearly 39, Messi scored eight goals in five games as Argentina reached another final — only to be thoroughly outclassed by Spain.