Players
Lionel Messi Argentina Career: Goals, Appearances, World Cups and Trophies
Lionel Messi’s international career is officially over.
After more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi announced his retirement from the national team on August 31, 2026. The numbers help explain just how extraordinary his career was.
Lionel Messi Argentina stats
- 207 Argentina appearances
- 125 international goals
- 2022 FIFA World Cup champion
- 2021 Copa América champion
- 2024 Copa América champion
- Six World Cup appearances
Messi retires as both Argentina’s record appearance holder and record goalscorer.
When did Messi debut for Argentina?
Messi made his senior international debut against Hungary on August 17, 2005. His introduction became infamous because he was sent off shortly after entering the match.
Few could have imagined that the teenager walking off the field that day would eventually become the most accomplished player in Argentina national-team history.
How many World Cups did Messi play?
Messi appeared in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
He reached three World Cup finals with Argentina. Argentina lost the 2014 final before Messi finally lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022. His final tournament ended with Argentina reaching the championship match again in 2026 before losing to Spain.
How many Copa América titles did Messi win?
Messi won the Copa América twice. His first came in 2021, when Argentina defeated Brazil at the Maracanã. Argentina then won the competition again in 2024.
Messi’s greatest Argentina achievement
The 2022 World Cup transformed Messi’s international legacy. After years of criticism surrounding his lack of senior international trophies, Messi finally captained his country to football’s biggest championship.
Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match
Messi’s final appearance came in the 2026 World Cup final against Spain. Argentina’s attempt to win back-to-back World Cups fell short, but reaching another final was a remarkable conclusion to his international career.
Read the breaking story: Lionel Messi retires from Argentina.
Also see: Messi’s Argentina legacy and what comes next for Argentina.
Source: Reuters, August 31, 2026.