New Delhi: Argentina superstar announced his retirement from international football on Monday, bringing an end to an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.
One of the greatest footballers of all time, Messi’s decision came months after he led Argentina to their second consecutive FIFA World Cup final, after he helped them win the title in 2022.
The 39-year-old, who will continue to play for Inter Miami in the MLS at the club level, said the decision to retire was not an easy one and hurt him deeply. The Argentine legend took to social media to announce the decision in an emotional post, sparking reactions globally.
Messi played 207 games for Argentina and represented his country in a record-equalling six FIFA World Cups. He finished his career as Argentina’s leading goalscorer with 125 goals, including 21 in the World Cup. His eternal rival Cristiano Ronaldo (146) is the only player with more goals than Messi in international football.
Five major records held by Lionel Messi in international football:
1) Most appearances in FIFA World Cup history
Lionel Messi holds the record for most appearances by any player in the history of FIFA World Cup. The Argentine superstar played 34 matches in the tournament throughout his career, across a joint-record six appearances.
2) Two World Cup Golden Balls
Lionel Messi is the only player to have won two Golden Balls in FIFA World Cup history. Messi won the Golden Ball for being the best player of the tournament in the FIFA World Cup 2014 and 2022. He led Argentina to the final of the 2014 World Cup with four goals and 1 assist.
Argentina lost to Germany in the final. Messi scored seven goals and recorded three assists to help Argentina win the FIFA World Cup title in 2022. He won five Man of the Match awards in the tournament, highlighting his impact in Argentina’s memorable triumph.
3) Most assists in FIFA World Cup history
Lionel Messi holds the record for most assists provided by a player in the history of the FIFA World Cup. The Argentine maestro has 12 assists to his name across six editions of the tournament.
4) Most goal contributions in World Cup knockouts
Lionel Messi also holds the record for most goal contributions by any player in the knockout stages of the FIFA World Cup. He has a total of 17 goal contributions in World Cup knockouts. Messi scored 7 goals and produced 10 assists for Argentina in the knockout stages of the World Cup in his career.
5) Highest goalscorer for Argentina
Lionel Messi also holds the record for being the highest goalscorer for Argentina in international football. He scored 125 goals for Argentina in 207 appearances for the country. Messi’s 125 caps for his country is also the most by any player for La Albiceleste.