Lionel Messi took to the field for the last time with Argentina on October 7, 2026, at the Estadio Monumental. The match was against Benin, and Messi's final appearance ended on a high note with a 3-0 victory. He was involved in all three goals, scoring one penalty and providing two assists. This performance capped off an illustrious career with Argentina, where he leaves behind a legacy of 126 goals and 67 assists in 208 appearances.
Throughout his career with Argentina, Messi has achieved remarkable success, winning six major titles. These include the 2005 Under-20 World Cup, the 2008 Olympic Games, two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 World Cup. His journey with Argentina began on August 17, 2005, when he made his debut against Hungary at just 18 years old. However, his first appearance was marked by a red card just 44 seconds into the game.
Despite the rocky start, Messi went on to have a storied career with Argentina, marked by both triumphs and setbacks. One of his lowest points came in 2016 when, following a Copa America loss to Chile, he announced his retirement from international football at the age of 29. However, he later reversed his decision and continued to contribute significantly to the team. His perseverance paid off with Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup, a win that many consider to have cemented his legacy.
Messi's World Cup performances have been particularly noteworthy, with 21 goals in 34 appearances across six tournaments. In the 2026 World Cup, his last, he scored eight goals, finishing as the second-highest scorer. His longevity and consistent performance over more than two decades have solidified his status as a legend of the sport.
Before his final match, Messi had announced his retirement from international football following Argentina's loss in the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. His last game, therefore, was an opportunity for him to bid farewell to the fans and the national team. In a video released by Adidas, Messi expressed his gratitude to fans and reflected on his career, stating that wearing the Argentine jersey had been his dream, pride, and life.
The Argentine press has extensively covered Messi's impact on the team, with La Nacion describing his legacy as having "knocked on the door of eternity, and eternity welcomed him, inviting him to enter and sit where he pleases." Such tributes underscore the profound influence Messi has had on Argentine football and his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Messi's final statistics with Argentina are impressive: 208 appearances, 126 goals, 67 assists, and six major titles. These numbers, however, only partially capture the essence of what he has represented to Argentina and the global football community. As he closes this chapter of his career, Messi leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Key points
- Messi ends his Argentina career with 208 appearances, 126 goals, and 67 assists.
- He won six major titles with Argentina, including the 2022 World Cup.
- Messi's legacy extends beyond his statistics, representing a golden era for Argentine football.
