The final sun sets on Argentina’s most iconic football era. Lionel Messi readies for one last, emotional showcase on the sacred grass of Estadio Monumental against Benin, closing a 21‑year international saga. From early heartbreak to becoming the immortal captain of a golden generation, the maestro departs with a glittering record of shattered milestones and timeless glory.
The 39‑year‑old will don the famed blue‑and‑white shirt for the last time as Argentina meets Benin in Buenos Aires. Anticipation runs high for a farewell that celebrates a career that began in 2005. Messi has confirmed his international retirement, making the Monumental the stage for his final act.
“The moment has arrived. I leave in peace, I gave it my all. This shirt was my dream, my pride, and my life,” Messi declared in a message shared by Adidas Football. He thanked fans who stood by him through tough years and unforgettable triumphs. “Thank you for loving me so much. I will always carry you with me,” the 39‑year‑old added.
From painful defeats to an era of dominance
Messi’s debut came at a time when Argentina hadn’t lifted a senior trophy since the 1993 Copa América, and his early years were marked by painful defeats before the tide finally turned.
Lionel Messi of Argentina lifts his medal after the 2014 FIFA World Cup final
Argentina fell short in the 2007 Copa América final, the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals. After the 2016 loss to Chile, Messi briefly announced retirement before reversing his decision weeks later.
The breakthrough finally arrived in 2021, when Argentina beat Brazil 1‑0 at the Maracanã to claim the Copa América. In my view, that triumph cemented Messi’s status as the greatest Argentine ever and opened the floodgates to a period of unrivaled success.
Angel Di Maria, Lionel Messi and Nicolas Otamendi celebrate the CONMEBOL Copa América 2024 trophy
Will his record inspire the next generation of Argentine stars?
Messi has collected six titles with Argentina across senior, youth and Olympic competitions. Four came with the senior side, two earlier in his career: the 2005 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, 2008 Olympic gold, 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
The first arrived at the 2005 FIFA U‑20 World Cup, where Messi netted six goals and claimed both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball. Three years later he helped Argentina win Olympic gold in Beijing, defeating Nigeria in the final.
| Year | Tournament | Opponent in Final | Match Result |
| 2005 | FIFA U-20 World Cup | Nigeria | 2–1 |
| 2008 | Beijing Olympic Games (Gold Medal) | Nigeria | 1–0 |
His senior breakthrough came in 2021, ending a 28‑year wait for a major senior trophy by beating Brazil in the Copa América final. Messi then added the 2022 Finalissima before reaching the pinnacle of his international career later that year.
At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Argentina edged France in a dramatic final that finished 3‑3 after extra time before prevailing on penalties. Messi scored twice, converted his spot‑kick and finally hoisted the trophy that had long eluded him.
| Year | Tournament | Opponent in Final | Match Result |
| 2021 | Copa America | Brazil | 1–0 |
| 2022 | CONMEBOL–UEFA Cup of Champions (Finalissima) | Italy | 3–0 |
| 2022 | FIFA World Cup | France | 3–3 (4–2 pens) |
| 2024 | Copa América | Colombia | 1–0 (a.e.t.) |
His last senior title arrived at the 2024 Copa América, when Argentina overcame Colombia 1‑0 after extra time. Lautaro Martínez delivered the decisive strike, letting Messi and his teammates celebrate another continental crown.