The runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup, after defeat to Spain in the United States, marked the end of Lionel Messi's story with the Argentine national team. The final chapter was revealed through a letter published by the star on his social media. A story that featured many goals, plays that left audiences in awe, titles, but also moments of drama.
In the senior national team, Messi played for 21 years, disputing 207 matches and scoring 125 goals. Throughout this period, he experienced moments of glory and drama wearing the albiceleste shirt.
Messi's debut with the Argentine senior national team did not do justice to what the entire cycle would be. It did not even last a minute. Already considered a promise of Argentine football at age 18, he came on as a substitute at the 18th minute of the second half in a friendly against Hungary, in Budapest, on August 17, 2005. But he was soon sent off. In his first play, the midfielder was pulled by Vilmos Vanczák and hit him with an elbow. The referee saw the incident and showed the red card.
