From a Nightmare Debut to Immortality: Messi’s 21-Year Argentina Journey

Lionel Messi’s early years with Argentina were far from easy. While he enjoyed extraordinary success at Barcelona, international glory remained elusive for much of his career.

The pressure grew, the criticism intensified, and after a series of painful defeats in major finals, Messi even announced his retirement from international football in 2016.

But he returned—and everything changed.

From winning the 2021 Copa America to lifting the 2022 World Cup and defending Argentina’s dominance at the 2024 Copa America, Messi eventually completed the journey from one of Argentina’s most criticized stars to one of the greatest legends in football history.

From a nightmare debut to international immortality, here is a look back at Messi’s remarkable 21-year journey with Argentina.

2005: A Nightmare Debut

Messi made his Argentina debut against Hungary in 2005 at the age of 18.

However, his first appearance quickly turned into a nightmare. He came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute and was sent off just 44 seconds later after his elbow accidentally struck Hungary defender Vilmos Vanczak in the face.

It was an unfortunate beginning to what would become one of the greatest international careers in football history.

2006: World Cup Debut

Just a year later, Messi made his World Cup debut.

He came on during Argentina’s 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro and scored in the match, becoming one of the youngest Argentine players to score at a World Cup.

The teenager had officially announced himself on the biggest stage.

2008: Olympic Champion

Messi won his first major international title at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Argentina defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final to claim the gold medal, with Messi playing a key role in the team’s successful campaign.

2010–2011: More Disappointment

After receiving Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt in 2009, expectations surrounding Messi reached another level.

Yet the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Copa America both ended in disappointment. Argentina were eliminated in the quarterfinals of both tournaments, while Messi failed to score in either competition.

The pressure on the Argentine superstar continued to grow.

2014–2016: Finals, Records and Retirement

Messi became Argentina captain around the 2014 World Cup and led the team to their first World Cup final in 24 years.

But Argentina lost 1-0 to Germany after Mario Gotze’s extra-time goal.

The heartbreak continued at the Copa America. Argentina lost consecutive finals to Chile in 2015 and 2016, with both defeats coming on penalties.

After the 2016 Copa America final, Messi announced his retirement from international football.

It would not be the end of his Argentina story.

2018–2021: The Comeback and Redemption

Messi returned to international football ahead of the 2018 World Cup.

During qualifying, Argentina needed a victory against Nigeria in their final match to secure their place at the tournament. Messi responded with a hat-trick to send his country to Russia.

Argentina eventually exited the 2018 World Cup in the last 16.

But Messi’s greatest international success was still ahead.

In 2021, Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final to win their first major international trophy with Messi as the star of the team. The victory ended Argentina’s 28-year wait for a major title.

Messi also became Argentina’s most-capped player during the tournament.

2022–2024: The Dream Comes True

Then came the moment Messi had waited for his entire career.

Argentina defeated France in the 2022 World Cup final to become world champions. The victory ended a 36-year wait for Argentina and finally fulfilled Messi’s lifelong dream.

Messi scored seven goals during the tournament and won the Golden Ball. He became the first player in World Cup history to win the award twice.

Two years later, Argentina won the 2024 Copa America, adding another major international title to Messi’s extraordinary collection.

2026: The End of the Messi Era

Argentina entered the 2026 World Cup as defending champions, hoping to retain the trophy.

Messi once again led his country to the final, but Argentina ultimately lost to Spain.

He had scored 21 World Cup goals, setting a new tournament record at the time. Kylian Mbappe later moved ahead with 22 goals.

Soon after the World Cup disappointment, Messi suffered another personal loss when his father, Jorge Messi, died on August 8. Twenty-three days later, Messi announced his retirement from international football.

However, at Argentina’s request, he returned for one final appearance.

Against Benin, Messi scored once and provided two assists as Argentina won 3-0. It was the perfect ending to his 21-year international career.

From Nightmare to Immortality

Messi’s Argentina journey began with a red card and ended with goals, assists, victory and an emotional farewell.

Once criticized for failing to deliver a major trophy for his country, Messi eventually brought Argentina the Copa America, Finalissima and World Cup.

The ultimate dream had been fulfilled.

His international career was never simply a story of trophies. It was a journey of failure, criticism, heartbreak, resilience, redemption and, ultimately, immortality.

A career that began with a nightmare ended with Lionel Messi firmly established as an Argentine legend.