Lionel Messi finally closes the chapter that began with a red card in Budapest

Lionel Messi’s Argentina career began with a red card in Budapest and ended after 207 international appearances, 125 goals and a long series of records and major titles.

Vilmos Vanczák, the Hungarian defender involved in the incident, later said the dismissal had been too harsh. Messi had tried to break free from Vanczák’s hold and struck backward with his hand, but Vanczák said the contact had little force and did not seem intentional. He believed the referee could have shown more leniency in a friendly match.

“

It was too harsh a decision to show a red card.

Messi left the field after only one minute and was deeply upset. Hugo Tocalli, then Argentina’s under-20 coach, accompanied the crying player to the dressing room. Messi was eventually comforted when José Pékerman promised to include him in the next squad.

“

In a friendly match, the referee could have been more lenient.

Vanczák said many spectators had come to see Messi and later joked that he was often reminded that the incident left the young player on the field for only a minute. He also said he felt good about being part of Messi’s story and considered him the best player.

The career that followed far exceeded that first appearance. Messi played at six World Cups and set the tournament record with 34 matches. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals. After the latter defeat, Messi briefly announced his retirement from international football before returning. Argentina then won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América. The team reached the 2026 World Cup final as well, but did not win a second title.

“

In any case, it feels good to be part of Messi’s story.