Ten years ago, Messi considered leaving Argentina; now accumulates titles and records, transforming his trajectory
The impact was felt throughout Argentina a decade ago: Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the national team after yet another frustration. In the United States, the star had missed a crucial penalty, resulting in runner-up in the 2016 Copa América. That moment seemed like the end of his journey with the Albiceleste shirt, but to the happiness of the country and the player himself, the end did not materialize.
At the time, on June 26, 2026, Lionel Messi said: “In the dressing room, I felt that my time with the national team was over, that it wasn’t for me. It’s a deep sadness that hits me again. There were four finals, and unfortunately I couldn’t win any of them. It was my biggest wish. I believe that this decision is for the good of everyone, for me and for the entire group.”
Since that surprising announcement, Messi has begun a complete turnaround in his relationship with the national team. From the deep pain experienced on American soil, the striker managed to rewrite his own history with Argentina.
Just two months after his farewell in the mixed zone of the stadium in New Jersey, stage of the 2026 World Cup final, the athlete reconsidered his decision and confirmed his return to wear the celestial and white uniform. From then on, the long-awaited titles and records for the national team began to appear, which added to the countless achievements he had already accumulated at his clubs.
In the scenario of the 2026 World Cup, Messi experiences total consecration. Precisamente nos gramados do país onde derramou lágrimas e deu seu adeus emocionado à seleção, o camisa 10 da Argentina se tornou o maior artilheiro da história dos Mundiais. This turn of events offers powerful symbolism, with the star achieving glory on the same stage as his greatest frustration.
His performance included three goals against Algeria in the first round and two more against Austria in the second, reaching the 18-goal mark and surpassing Klose to lead the scoring charts in the world’s main football tournament.
The 2026 World Cup could represent the end of the star’s career in the Argentine national team, crowning the turnaround that began with his retirement ten years earlier. His career totals 122 goals in 201 matches for the national team.
With 28 games in six editions, Messi is the player with the most appearances in World Cups. No other athlete in the tournament contributed to more goals than Argentina’s number 10, totaling 26 appearances between 18 goals and 8 assists.
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The team’s collective fortunes changed definitively at Maracanã, in 2021. A new crop of players rose to prominence under the management of Lionel Scaloni, a bet that proved successful on the bench.
With the mobilization of the coach and the entire team around Messi, Argentina won the 2021 Copa América by beating Brazil in Rio de Janeiro. This was the first trophy for the country’s professional team since 1993.
Winning the Copa América eased a huge burden on Messi and his teammates. The Argentine team gained confidence and, in 2022, won the Finalíssima title by defeating Italy, the European champion, 3-0 at Wembley.
The triumph over the Italians served as an omen of Argentina’s peak and golden period under Messi’s leadership. The Albiceleste team racked up an impressive run of 36 unbeaten games and reached the 2022 World Cup with great momentum.
Not even the unexpected defeat to Saudi Arabia in the debut was able to divert the destiny that was already being shaped. Messi led the team onto the field, on the biggest stage in world football, and lifted the much-coveted World Cup trophy, scoring two goals in the thrilling final against France.
His seven goals in the 2022 World Cup propelled the star to reach Klose’s record in the current edition. Messi was also present at the 2024 Copa América, a title that consolidated Argentina among the strongest teams on the planet on the eve of the current World Cup.
A decade after the tears and goodbyes, Messi now celebrates triumphs in the United States. The World Cup, which perhaps marks his retirement, is full of records and trophies that ten years ago seemed like an unattainable dream.
On the field, the Argentine team demonstrates solidity. With 100% success so far, the Albiceleste is preparing to face Jordan this Saturday, at 11pm (Brasília time), in Dallas, seeking to maintain the pace before starting the dispute for the fourth world championship.
