Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, finally lifted the World Cup in 2022 after numerous near misses with the national team. Now, Messi and Argentina are 90 minutes away from a third consecutive major international trophy. This achievement could provide the perfect sign-off for Messi’s international career and elevate this Argentina side among the finest international teams of any era.
Lionel Messi Journey
Just three years ago, the prospect of such success seemed distant. Argentina’s international trophy drought had reached 28 years by the time they approached the 2021 Copa América. At 33, Messi seemed to be running out of time to win with the national team. However, the 2021 Copa América triumph was followed by a historic 2022 World Cup win, silencing critics who doubted Messi’s performance for Argentina.
Despite their current success, Argentina and Messi endured several heartbreaking defeats before reaching the top.
Lionel Messi and Argentina’s Long Wait for a Title
Lionel Messi, now the most-capped and highest-scoring player in Argentina’s history, debuted at the 2006 World Cup at just 18. Argentina were eliminated in the quarter-finals but were expected to perform well in the 2007 Copa América in Venezuela. They reached the final but lost 3-0 to Brazil, marking Messi’s first final defeat with the national team. Despite starting in the final and being named the tournament’s Best Young Player, Argentina fell short.
Messi’s second near miss came at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Argentina faced a formidable Germany in the final, fresh from their historic 7-1 victory over the hosts. Germany won 1-0 in a hard-fought final, with Messi earning the Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player.
Next came two Copa América heartbreaks in 2015 and 2016, both losses to Chile on penalties. After missing his spot-kick in the 2016 final, Messi announced his retirement from international play, stating: “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.”
Messi’s Titles with Argentina
Fortunately, Messi’s international retirement was brief. Two months later, he returned to the national team, expressing his love for his country and the jersey. Although Argentina was eliminated in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup by eventual winners France, this underperformance marked the start of a historic period.
Lionel Scaloni, initially interim head coach, was appointed permanently after a commendable third-place finish in the 2019 Copa América. With the team reconfigured to maximize Messi’s talents, Argentina was set for success.
Argentina ended their 28-year trophy drought with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final. After 16 years, Messi finally lifted a trophy with the national team, but he didn’t stop there. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Messi scored seven goals, including two in the final, and won the Golden Ball, leading Argentina to a dramatic penalty shootout victory over France. After waiting 16 years for his first international title, Messi secured two in two years and could add a third in the Copa América final against Colombia on Sunday.