Lionel Messi: A golden chapter closes on international football

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday, six weeks following Argentina's loss in the World Cup final and after over two decades of nearly 200 appearances for his country. As the reporter digs into the defining moments of Messi's Argentina career, it's clear that his journey has been one of triumphs and heartbreaks.

Messi's international debut came in 2005, as a substitute in a friendly against Hungary at just 18 years old. He was sent off in the very first minute due to an elbow, a moment that would forever be remembered for the wrong reasons. June of the following year saw him make his World Cup debut for Argentina, contributing the opening goal against Serbia and Montenegro in their 6-0 victory.

As Messi entered his 26th year, Argentina embarked on a new era under new coach Alejandro Sabella in Brazil in 2014. Despite setbacks, including quarter-final exits in 2006 and 2010, the team reached their first World Cup final since Maradona's era. However, Argentina fell short against Germany in the Maracana.

The disappointment of 2014 was followed by more heartbreak when Argentina lost the subsequent Copa America final on penalties to Chile. Determined to end the drought, Messi headed to the 2016 Copa America Centenario with renewed purpose. Argentina once again reached the final, but once again lost to Chile on penalties, with Messi missing his kick.

This period of international football marked a stark contrast to Messi's early career. Following coach Lionel Scaloni's appointment in 2018, Messi and Argentina experienced a new era of success. In 2021, they won the Copa America Centenario for the first time in 28 years, with Angel Di Maria scoring the decisive goal.

Messi's final act of international football came with yet another World Cup triumph in 2024. At 38, the Barcelona legend led Argentina to victory, scoring eight goals in the first five games and inspiring his team to another World Cup final. Messi has played more World Cup matches than any other player, amassing a total of 34 appearances and scoring 21 goals throughout his career.

Though Messi's time with the Argentine national team has come to an end, his legacy as one of the greatest footballers of all time remains undeniable.