Lionel Messi's illustrious international career with Argentina, marked by a decade of dominance and multiple major titles, almost concluded prematurely in 2016. Following a disappointing Copa America campaign, Messi announced his retirement from international football, a decision that sent shockwaves through Argentina.
Edgardo Bauza, who took over as Argentina coach in August 2016, made persuading Messi to reverse his decision a top priority. Bauza traveled to Barcelona to meet with the star player, and the overwhelming public support for his return ultimately proved irresistible. "I love this country and this shirt too much," Messi stated upon his return to the national team, expressing gratitude to those who encouraged him to continue.
Despite Messi's return, immediate success did not follow. Argentina faced elimination in the round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup, leading some to question his chances of ever winning the coveted trophy.
However, Messi's fortunes dramatically shifted in his later years. At the age of 34, he finally secured a senior international title and went on to win four major tournaments in just over three years, including the 2022 Finalissima. His international future remained a subject of discussion after each triumph, but he continued to play, participating in his sixth World Cup in 2026. In that tournament, he scored eight goals and provided four assists, though Argentina ultimately fell to Spain in the final, which was held in the same stadium where Messi had initially announced his retirement a decade earlier.
Even in the later stages of his career, Messi maintained his effectiveness on the pitch, demonstrating a game management skill that compensated for any perceived loss of speed. Fans like Benjamin, who attended the 2016 final, recalled the collective grief when Messi initially retired, stating, "When Messi retired [10 years ago] it reminded us all how much we loved him... Without Lionel Messi, Argentina would still be waiting for their next World Cup since 1986."
Further questions about Messi's international future arose after the death of his father, Jorge, just three weeks after the 2022 World Cup final. At 39, another return to international football appears unlikely, with this decision seeming final. However, South American football writer Tim Vickery suggested that an official farewell match in Argentina could still be organized. Vickery noted that Argentina's upcoming home matches would initially be played at 50% capacity due to sanctions from the World Cup. "But once those punishments are out of the way, I'm sure it will be in the mind of the Argentina FA: 'Why don't we hold a game back in Buenos Aires? River Plate, they have the biggest capacity in South America. Why don't we do an official farewell there? What do you think about it, Lionel? One last time?'", Vickery told BBC Radio 5 Live.