By the numbers: A look at Lionel Messi’s 21 years with Argentina

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest soccer player of all time, has retired from international play after 21 years with Argentina. His retirement marks the conclusion of a remarkable career that has left an indelible mark on world football. Here are the key facts and figures that define Messi's time with the Albiceleste:

Messi achieved international success in his career, winning the World Cup once in 2022. He also reached the final in 2014 and 2026, losing to Germany and Spain, respectively. The Argentine forward's six appearances in World Cups tie him with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo for the most World Cup outings among players from Argentina.

Messi scored a total of 21 goals during his time in six World Cups, placing him second only to France's Kylian Mbappé, who has 22 goals and played in just three tournaments. Messi's record of 125 goals in international matches is a national record for Argentina, surpassing Gabriel Batistuta's 54 goals in 78 appearances.

The Argentine forward made his debut for Argentina in a friendly match against Hungary in 2005, and at the age of 39, he announced his international retirement. This makes him one of the oldest players to hang up his international boots. Messi's 125 goals and 125 appearances in international matches stand as the second-highest numbers in men's international soccer, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo's records of 146 goals and 233 appearances.