On 31/8, Messi announced his decision to retire from the Argentina national team, having played the most matches (207), scored the most goals (125), and provided the most assists (68). The 39-year-old forward thus concludes a glorious international career, highlighted by the 2022 World Cup – Argentina's first world championship in 36 years – alongside the 2021 Copa America, the country's first title in 28 years, the 2022 Intercontinental Super Cup, and the 2024 Copa America.

However, before this unprecedented period of success, Messi almost quit.

Messi (center) celebrating the World Cup victory in Doha, Qatar on 18/12/2022. Photo: AFP

On 26/6/2016, Messi broke the hearts of an entire nation when he missed a penalty in the shootout, leading to Argentina's 2-4 loss to Chile in the Copa America final. This marked the national team's third consecutive defeat in a major final, following the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 Copa America.

Feeling tormented by his performance and facing public criticism, Messi decided to leave the national team at the age of 29. He stated he could not help the team, despite giving his best. "My journey with the Argentina national team is over", he said at the time. "I made this decision for myself and for those who wanted it. I tried very hard, but achieved nothing".

Fortunately for Argentina, Messi later reconsidered. Approximately six weeks after announcing his retirement, he declared he would continue playing due to his "love for the country". According to the British news agency BBC, this may have been the most important announcement in the history of Argentine, and even world, football. Over the next ten years, Messi completed one of football's greatest fairy tales, playing an additional 94 matches, scoring 70 goals, and winning four titles.

In 8/2016, Edgardo Bauza became the new coach of Argentina. He only held the position for eight months, but his initial days may have been the most crucial. This was the period when he traveled to Barcelona, Spain, to persuade Messi to return to the national team.

Teammates, fans, the former President, and many other politicians also hoped Messi would change his mind. Horacio Rodriguez Larreta, the former mayor of Buenos Aires, unveiled a statue of Messi and called on the public to express their desire for Messi's return. "As a football fan, Leo, I hope you reconsider", Larreta said.

After Messi's return, success was not immediate. He and Argentina lost to France in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, their worst performance in the tournament. At that time, many believed the player, then over 31 years old, would never have another chance to win a world championship.

However, in the four years that followed, Messi surprised everyone. He led Argentina to conquer the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Intercontinental Super Cup, and then scored seven goals and provided three assists to win the 2022 World Cup.

Messi (right) celebrating in Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup, in Kansas City, USA on 7/7/2026. Photo: AP

The 2026 World Cup also saw Messi reaffirm his class. The 39-year-old forward was not as agile as before, but he still proved effective. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight matches, helping Argentina reach their third final in four recent tournaments. The 0-1 loss to Spain may have made Messi's ending less perfect, but it cannot diminish his great legacy.

When Messi announced his retirement from the national team this time, the criticisms from ten years ago suddenly seemed ridiculous. Diego Maradona, the legend who led Argentina to the 1986 World Cup, once remarked that Messi was truly skilled, but lacked the qualities and personality to be a leader. Many former players and fans at the time also argued that Messi was not as good as Maradona, frequently disappeared in important matches, or was even the cause of the national team's failures.

Ten years ago, Messi had already won four Champions League titles, eight La Liga titles, and five Ballon d'Or awards at the club level, a more convincing record than Maradona's one UEFA Cup and two Serie A titles. That was why some opinions suggested Messi was very successful, but incomparable to the 1986 World Cup legend.

But after a decade, according to BBC, the debate about Messi and Maradona has undoubtedly concluded. Most assessments now confirm Messi as the greatest Argentine player. Many even believe Messi rivals Pele, the only player to win the World Cup three times, for the title of greatest player of all time.

Thanh Quy (according to BBC)