Lionel Messi announces retirement from Argentina after two-decade international career

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football for Argentina on Monday, six weeks after Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final. He made over 200 appearances for his country across more than two decades.

A look back at the moments that defined Messi’s career with his country outlines key events from 2005 through 2026. These include his 2005 debut, his first World Cup goal in 2006, Argentina's run to the 2014 World Cup final in Brazil, the 2016 Copa America final loss to Chile, his first major international title at the Copa (2021) and subsequent World Cup in Qatar, and his 2026 campaign.

In 2005, Messi’s international debut ended with a red card against Hungary.

At the 2006 World Cup in Germany, Messi scored his first World Cup goal against Serbia and Montenegro.

In 2014, he captained Argentina to the World Cup final in Brazil, where Germany denied them the trophy.

After losing another Copa America final to Chile in 2016, Messi briefly retired from international football.

The Copa (2021) was Messi's first major international title with Argentina before lifting the World Cup in Qatar.

In 2026, at nearly 39, Messi starred at his record-equalling sixth World Cup, scoring eight goals in five games as Argentina reached another final.