Six Defining Moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina Career
Messi scored 13 World Cup goals for Argentina and lifted the trophy in 2022, cementing his record as the nation’s top scorer in the tournament.
- On June 16, 2026, Lionel Messi began his record-equalling sixth World Cup campaign, leading Argentina against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium as the defending champions target a historic fourth title.
- Early international years brought significant heartbreak, including the 2014 World Cup final loss to Germany and consecutive Copa America defeats; after a 2016 penalty loss to Chile, Messi declared, "For me the national team is over."
- The trajectory shifted significantly after coach Lionel Scaloni took charge in 2018, and Messi secured the crowning glory in Qatar, scoring twice in the 2022 final to help Argentina defeat France.
- With 13 goals across his World Cup career, Messi holds the record as Argentina's all-time top goal-scorer, while he also led the team to the 2021 Copa America title.
- Drawn alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, Argentina faces a challenging group stage in the 2026 tournament as the team pursues another global trophy under Messi's leadership.
15 Articles
15 Articles
The vice of the World Cup of 2026, after defeating Spain in the United States, marked the end of the story of Lionel Messi with the selection of Argentina. The final point was revealed on this second, by means of a letter published by the crack on his social networks. A story that counted with many goals, plays that left the audience open-mouthed, titles, but also moments of drama. Note below some of the most striking moments of this relationshi…
By CNN Español For more than two decades, Lionel Messi built with the Argentine team a story marked by dreams, frustrations and, finally, revenge.From his debut with the albiceleste shirt to the conquest of the titles that were elusive for years, his tour with Argentina went through some of the most memorable moments of The post In images: Messi's unforgettable moments with the Argentine team appeared first on KVIA.
Six defining moments of Lionel Messi's Argentina career
AFP Sport looks back at the moments that defined Messi's career with his country. Inauspicious start Messi's international career began as a fresh-faced 18-year-old in 2005. His first cap was unforgettable for the wrong reasons -- ninety seconds after coming on as a substitute in a friendly with Hungary in Budapest, he was sent off for what the referee saw as an elbow. The following June he made his first World Cup appearance in the 6-0 win over…
Lionel announced his retirement after a story of more than 20 years wearing the “Albiceleste” shirt.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
