6 milestones of Messi with the Argentina national team

From a red card in his debut match to the peak of winning the 2022 World Cup, Lionel Messi experienced a journey of more than two decades, filled with glory and challenges with the Argentina national team.

Approximately 20 minutes after posting his letter, Messi's accounts shared a 121-second video, opening with images of Messi playing football as a child. A reporter's voice then asks, "What is your dream?". Messi replies, "To wear the Argentina national team jersey". The video highlights his milestones and phases with the national team over 20 years, concluding with images of the massive crowd celebrating the 2022 World Cup victory in Republica Square in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Messi's national team career began in 2005 at 18 years old, but his first match was forgettable. He received a red card just 90 seconds after entering as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary in Budapest, dismissed for an elbow. This early setback, however, did not overshadow his talent. In June 2006, Messi made his World Cup debut in Argentina's 6-0 victory over Serbia & Montenegro, scoring the final goal in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. This marked the beginning of his legendary association with the World Cup.

At 26, Messi reached his first World Cup final in 2014. By then, he was already considered one of the world's greatest players due to his achievements with Barcelona. However, success at the national team level had been elusive. Argentina, with Messi, had been eliminated by Germany in the World Cup quarterfinals in 2006 and 2010, lost to Brazil in the 2007 Copa America final, and underperformed at the 2011 tournament hosted in Argentina.

In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Messi, as the team's captain, scored in all three group stage matches. Although he did not score in subsequent games, he led Argentina to their first World Cup final since the era of Diego Maradona. At the Maracana stadium, Argentina played well but squandered chances, ultimately losing to Germany after an extra-time goal by Mario Gotze. Messi received the Golden Ball award for the best player of the 2014 World Cup but missed out on his first major title with the national team.

The disappointment of the 2014 World Cup deepened when Argentina lost to Chile in a penalty shootout in the 2015 Copa America final. Messi entered the 2016 Copa America in the United States determined to win his first major international title. Argentina advanced to the final with impressive form, facing Chile again at MetLife Stadium. The previous scenario repeated itself: Argentina lost in a penalty shootout, with Messi missing his spot-kick.

Having made over 100 appearances for the national team, Messi was devastated by the defeat. "I did everything I could. I played four finals, and it hurts not to be a champion", Messi announced his retirement from international football. Six weeks later, persuaded by teammates and fans, Messi reversed his decision and returned to the national team.

The latter half of Messi's international career contrasted sharply with his earlier years, largely due to Lionel Scaloni's appointment as head coach in 2018. In 2021, amidst the Covid-19 pandemic, Messi and Argentina traveled to Brazil for the Copa America. They defeated the host nation one-zero in the final with a chipped goal by Angel Di Maria, securing their first major title in 28 years.

At 35 years old, Messi was a crucial inspiration in leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar. He scored five goals and provided three assists, directly contributing to two-thirds of the team's goals from the group stage through the semifinals. In the final, Messi scored two goals, including the opening penalty, and initiated the play for another goal. He also successfully converted Argentina's first penalty in the shootout, boosting his teammates' confidence to score the next three, leading to a 4-2 victory. For his outstanding performance, the Argentina captain was awarded the FIFA World Cup Golden Ball, recognizing him as the tournament's best player.

With this award, adding to his 2014 honor, Messi became the first player to win the World Cup Best Player award two times since FIFA introduced it in 1982. Including Diego Maradona's award in 1986, Argentina also set a record with three wins of this award, surpassing Brazil and Italy, who each have two.

Messi concluded his 21-year international journey by helping Argentina win the 2024 Copa America before participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, where he equaled the record for most World Cup appearances with his sixth tournament. He dispelled doubts about his age by scoring eight goals in the first five matches and contributing to Argentina's second consecutive World Cup final appearance. Messi played more World Cup matches than any other player, with 34 appearances, and scored 21 goals. He also became the second player in history to feature in three World Cup finals.

However, Argentina underperformed and lost to Spain in extra time, ending Messi's international career of 207 matches and 125 goals on a disappointing note.

On 30/8, Messi announced his retirement from the national team, sharing a three-page letter. The forward, born in 1987, stated he wrote the letter on 21/7, two days after Argentina's one-zero loss to Spain. He expressed increased conviction in his decision after experiencing the pain of losing his father, Jorge, who passed away on 8/8 at 68 years old after a long illness. His father had played a significant role in his son's career.

In his heartfelt letter, Messi affirmed his unwavering commitment and dedication to the national colors. He strived to bring joy and ignite Argentine pride in fans through football. The 39-year-old forward thanked the fans for their affection, stating he would never forget their cheers on the field. He added that he would now join the crowds in supporting the national team through all its ups and downs. Messi also carried cherished family memories of their unwavering support during his time with the national team, and of standing alongside generations of coaches, staff, and teammates.