Football maestro Lionel Messi announces retirement from international format here are some of the top records of Argentina GOAT

PTC News Desk: An era has come to an end as Lionel Messi has reportedly decided to retire from international football after an incredible 21-year career with Argentina. The legendary footballer from Rosario started his journey as a young outsider and went on to become one of the greatest players in football history.

The 39-year-old Messi, who is grieving the recent death of his father Jorge Messi, confirmed on Instagram that he will no longer play for Argentina. His journey with the national team was filled with both heartbreak and success. Before winning the Copa America twice and lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi suffered several painful defeats in major finals.

“After the time that has passed since the final, thinking a lot, I want to let everyone know that I am retiring from the national team. It is a decision that hurts my soul but I know it is time. I can say for sure that I always gave everything, not only in the last few years when we won everything [but] before as well, and I always fought and gave everything for the shirt, to give you joy and make you proud of being Argentinian through football,” one part of Messi’s retirement note read.

Although winning the 2026 World Cup would have been a perfect way to end his international career, Messi's journey with Argentina has already produced some of football's greatest moments.

Messi made his international debut in 2005 and went on to become Argentina's most-capped player and highest goalscorer. He finished with 207 appearances and 125 goals for the national team.

He holds several unique records. Messi is the only player to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice, and he is also the only player to score in every stage of a single World Cup. He holds the record for the most World Cup appearances with 34 and has made more Copa America appearances than any other player, with 39.

International accolades 

Other records include 11 international hat-tricks and becoming the oldest player to score a hat-trick at a World Cup, doing so at the age of 38 years and 357 days.

The biggest moment of Messi's international career came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, when he finally lifted the trophy after Argentina had lost to Germany in the 2014 final.

His other major international honours include Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024 and the Finalissima in 2022. Earlier in his career, he also helped Argentina win the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Messi leaves international football having achieved almost everything possible with Argentina and cementing his place among the greatest players the sport has ever produced.