Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football, stepping away as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. His final chapter concludes a remarkable career that saw him captain his nation to World Cup glory in Qatar 2022, alongside Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Most recently, he recorded eight goals and four assists during the 2026 World Cup.
However, the football world was nearly denied this legendary decade of success. On June 26, 2016, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a then 29-year-old Messi appeared to have reached his breaking point. Following a penalty shootout loss to Chile in the Copa America final—the team’s third consecutive major tournament defeat after the 2014 World Cup and 2015 Copa America—he declared his international career over.
“For me, the national team is over. I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion,” Messi stated at the time. Fighting back tears, he added, “It was the thing I wanted the most, but I couldn’t get it, so I think it’s over. I think this is best for everyone.” Having reached 113 appearances, he seemed resolute in his decision to never wear the blue and white shirt again.
The six-week period between that June 2016 announcement and his August 12 reversal remains one of the most pivotal stretches in the history of the sport. Ultimately, his decision to return for the “love of the country” paved the way for a decade of unparalleled dominance.
Since that U-turn, Messi made an additional 94 appearances for Argentina, scoring 70 more goals and securing four major international trophies. His journey from the brink of retirement to becoming a World Cup winner is widely regarded as one of the greatest narratives in football history.
As he departs the international stage, the legacy of his contributions remains firmly cemented. Reflecting on his final decision to step away, Messi noted, “I’ve given it my all, I have nothing left to give.” The report also notes that plus Copa America finals in 2007, 2015 and now 2016, argentina had lost in the 2014 World Cup final. The report also notes that fortunately for Argentina, Messi would have second thoughts.
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