FULL LIST: Messi’s achievements, four unwanted records with Argentina

Lionel Messi has confirmed his retirement from international football after more than two decades with Argentina, ending a career that began with the under-20 team and concluded with him as senior captain.

Messi said he had given his country his best and had “nothing more to give.” He reached the decision shortly after the 2026 World Cup final and became more certain after his father’s death.

His Argentina career brought three major titles: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. He directly contributed to 185 goals in 207 matches, scoring 125 and assisting 60. He scored 111 of those goals with his left foot.

Messi played in six World Cups, more than any other player. He holds records for 34 appearances, 23 victories, 12 assists and six goals from outside the penalty area. He is also the only player to start three World Cup finals, in 2014, 2022 and 2026, and became the oldest outfield player in a final at 39 years and 25 days.

The record also includes difficult moments. Messi missed three World Cup penalties after scoring seven, including two misses at the 2026 tournament, the first time a player had missed two penalties at one edition outside shootouts. He was sent off within a minute of his 2005 debut against Hungary, briefly retired after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa América final, and ended his international career with another final defeat. He scored 21 World Cup goals, briefly holding the men’s record during the 2026 tournament before Kylian Mbappé moved to 22.

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Nothing more to give.