The article discusses the significant moments in Lionel Messi's international football career with Argentina, which recently ended after 21 years. Here’s a simple summary of the key points: Early Debut: Messi made his international debut in 2005 at just 18 years old but was sent off almost immediately. This unusual start set the stage for his long career with Argentina. Heartbreak in Finals: Messi faced a lot of disappointment early on, losing four major finals, including the 2016 Copa America, where he missed a penalty and announced his retirement, only to return shortly after. First Major Trophy: In 2021, Messi finally won his first major title with Argentina by helping the team win the Copa America against Brazil. This victory changed how people viewed him, as he had often been criticized for not winning with the national team. World Cup Victory: The highlight of Messi's career came in 2022 when he led Argentina to win the World Cup. He scored twice in the final and was named the best player of the tournament. Final Chapter: After winning another Copa America in 2024, Messi played in his last World Cup in 2026 at age 39. Argentina reached the final again but lost to Spain. Despite this, Messi left a remarkable legacy, holding many records, including being the all-time leading scorer for Argentina with 125 goals in 207 matches. Overall, Messi's journey with the national team was filled with ups and downs, but he ended it as one of the greatest players in football history.
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