MESSI ENDS ARGENTINA CAREER WITH HISTORIC RECORDS AND RARE LOW POINTS

Lionel Messi has brought his extraordinary international career with Argentina to a close after more than two decades, leaving behind a collection of records and achievements that have firmly established him among the greatest players in the history of the national team. The 39-year-old announced his retirement from international football on Monday, saying he had given everything he could to his country.

Messi finishes his Argentina career with 207 appearances, 125 goals and 60 assists, giving him direct involvement in 185 goals for the national team. His greatest achievements came during Argentina's golden period, when he captained the country to the 2021 Copa América, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América titles.

The former Barcelona star also leaves behind a remarkable World Cup legacy. He played at six World Cups, more than any other player, while holding records for the most World Cup appearances with 34, most victories with 23 and most assists with 12. He also became the only player to start three World Cup finals, doing so in 2014, 2022 and 2026.

However, Messi's international journey also contained several unwanted records and difficult moments. He was sent off within a minute of making his senior debut against Hungary in 2005, while he also missed three World Cup penalties during his career. In 2026, he became the first player to miss two penalties in a single World Cup edition, excluding penalty shootouts.

His international career also included a brief retirement in 2016 after Argentina's Copa América final defeat to Chile, although he later reversed that decision. His latest departure is final, coming after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final, meaning he ended his national-team career without the fourth major international trophy that would have provided an even more dramatic farewell.

Despite those setbacks, Messi's overall legacy with Argentina remains extraordinary. From a controversial red card on his debut to World Cup glory and multiple individual records, his more than 20-year journey transformed him into one of the most influential figures in Argentine football history.