Lionel Messi closed two decades of international football with a handwritten letter posted from Miami on 31 August 2026, retiring as Argentina’s most capped and highest scoring player with 207 appearances and 125 goals. The letter came 43 days after his last game in an Argentina shirt, a 1-0 extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
That ledger spans two turbulent decades
That ledger spans two turbulent decades: Messi saw red on his senior debut for Argentina after coming on against Hungary in 2005, then endured three final defeats before briefly retiring in 2016. He returned months later and went on to win five major international trophies with Argentina, completing his redemption.
Two golden trophies before the fight
Messi won two titles before his career found rhythm: six goals and two assists earned him the Golden Boot and Golden Ball at the 2005 Under-20 World Cup, including both goals in the 2-1 final win over Nigeria. Three years later, he added Olympic gold, assisting Angel Di Maria’s winner.
A debut, then a goal, then history began
His senior story began oddly. Messi debuted on 17 August 2005 against Hungary, came on as a substitute and picked up a red card within a minute for an elbow, though Argentina won 2-1. His first goal came seven months later, against Croatia in Basel, his sixth cap, in a 2-3 defeat.
Three finals, three broken hearts
Messi reached the 2014 World Cup final and scored four goals, enough for the Golden Ball, but Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany after extra time. Copa America finals against Chile followed in 2015 and 2016, both lost on penalties. He retired that night, then reversed the decision within months.
Scaloni rebuilds, and the trophies follow
Lionel Scaloni took over after the 2018 World Cup exit and built a side that shared the weight Messi had carried alone. Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, beating Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana. Messi scored four goals, added five assists and won the tournament’s best player award for Argentina.
Qatar finally completes the collection
The 2022 World Cup delivered what three finals had not. Messi scored seven goals and added three assists, finding the net in every knockout round including twice in the final, as Argentina beat France on penalties after a 3-3 draw. He took a second World Cup Golden Ball and the man of the match award in the final too.
For Messi, history took another step
Argentina’s 2024 Copa America triumph became another historic chapter for Messi. They beat Colombia in the final, while Messi limped off in tears with an ankle injury. The victory gave him five major international titles and completed Argentina’s run of Copa America success after years of final defeats and disappointment.
One last run, one quiet final
Messi opened his sixth World Cup with a hat-trick against Algeria and led Argentina to a second straight final, scoring eight goals and four assists. His equaliser against Egypt in the last sixteen proved to be his final Argentina goal. Spain won the final 1-0 after extra time, and Rodri took the Golden Ball ahead of him, leaving Messi with the Silver Ball. He posted his letter on 31 August.
