The 3-0 victory provided the perfect farewell, with Messi producing one final memorable performance in the famous blue and white shirt. He scored from the penalty spot and registered two assists, helping Argentina celebrate the occasion in style.
After more than two decades with the national team, Messi finishes with 207 appearances, 125 goals and 66 assists. He leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer.
His international journey was not always straightforward. Messi endured heartbreaking defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals, even briefly retiring from international football after the 2016 disappointment.
But his return marked the beginning of a remarkable transformation. Messi finally lifted his first major senior international trophy at the 2021 Copa América, before leading Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022. Another Copa América triumph followed in 2024.
Messi represented Argentina at six World Cups from 2006 to 2026 and continued to deliver at the highest level well into his late career. On his final night, he assisted Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Paz before scoring one last goal from the penalty spot.
From the young star who faced years of criticism to the captain who finally lifted the World Cup, Messi leaves Argentina with trophies, records and unforgettable memories. The Messi era is over — and what a career it has been.