Lionel Messi has ended his Argentina international career as the most-capped player in the history of the national team, closing a 21-year journey with a record 207 appearances.
The Argentina captain reached the milestone before his farewell match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored and provided two assists as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory in an emotional final appearance for the national team.
Messi surpassed a list of distinguished Argentine internationals that includes Javier Mascherano, Ángel Di María and Javier Zanetti. Mascherano finished his international career with 147 appearances, while Di María and Zanetti each recorded 145 caps.
Messi also leaves Argentina as the country’s all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals according to the Argentine Football Association. His international record includes four major senior titles: the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup and 2024 Copa América.
His defining achievement came at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he captained Argentina to the title after a dramatic final against France. He was also named the tournament’s best player, adding the World Cup to a career that had previously been marked by repeated international disappointments.
Messi’s final chapter came more than two decades after his senior debut against Hungary in August 2005. Despite being sent off shortly after entering that match, he went on to establish himself as one of Argentina’s most influential players.
His retirement marks the end of an era for Argentina, which must now begin planning for life without the player who wore the iconic No. 10 shirt for more than two decades.
Messi’s international legacy extends beyond statistics. His record number of appearances, goals, World Cup triumph and Copa América successes have secured his place among Argentina’s most decorated footballers. As the national team moves into a new generation, his records will provide a benchmark for future players.
