Lionel Messi retires: What records and titles does Argentina legend hold?

Lionel Messi retires: What records and titles does Argentina legend hold?A by-the-numbers look at Messi’s international career with Argentina, including his individual and team honours.Published On 1 Sep 2026Argentina superstar Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers of all time, brought down the curtain on his two-decade-long international career on Monday.The 39-year-old diminutive forward broke several records, won trophies and registered numerous goals and assists during his time with Argentina.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3FIFA president Infantino ‘must go’, says former UEFA boss Platinilist 2 of 3Transfer deadline day 2026: All to know about target signings, clubs, feeslist 3 of 3Manchester City sign Brazilian winger Allan Elias from Palmeirasend of listHere’s a look at statistics involving his international career:1: Messi won the FIFA World Cup once, in Qatar in 2022, leading Argentina to their first world title since 1986. He also reached the final two other times, in 2014 and 2026, losing to Germany and Spain, respectively.The forward also has an Olympic gold medal in his cabinet. Then aged 21, he assisted teammate Angel Di Maria’s winning goal, which earned them the elusive gold at Beijing 2008.Argentina’s Lionel Messi kisses the trophy, presented by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, alongside Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, December 18, 2022 [Kai Pfaffenbach/Reuters]2: Messi has won the Copa America title twice, guiding Argentina to back-to-back triumphs in the 2021 and 2024 editions.He is also the only player to win the Golden Ball award for the Best Player of the Tournament twice, at the 2014 and 2022 World Cups.3: Messi is the only player to have started in three World Cup finals – 2014, 2022 and 2026.6: The number of World Cups in which Messi played (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026) is tied for the most with longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.7: Messi also holds the record for the most goals scored from penalties in World Cups.