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In Photos: A look at Lionel Messi's record after 21 years with Argentina team

Updated On: 01 September, 2026 12:02 PM IST | Atharva Upasani

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Monday to bring an end to 21 years career with his national team. Here's a by-the-numbers look at his time with the Argentine team (Pics: AFP)

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01
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international footbal having won all major trophies witht he nationa team (Pic: AFP)
Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international footbal having won all major trophies witht he nationa team (Pic: AFP)
02
World Cup 2022: Messi won the World Cup once, in Qatar in 2022. He also reached the final two other times, in 2014 and 2026, when losing to Germany and Spain, respectively
World Cup 2022: Messi won the World Cup once, in Qatar in 2022. He also reached the final two other times, in 2014 and 2026, when losing to Germany and Spain, respectively
03
Record World Cup appearances (6): The number of World Cups in which Messi played (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), which is tied for the most with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo
Record World Cup appearances (6): The number of World Cups in which Messi played (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026), which is tied for the most with long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo
04
21: Messi scored 21 goals across those six World Cups. That is second only to France's Kylian Mbappe, who has 22, having played in just three tournaments
21: Messi scored 21 goals across those six World Cups. That is second only to France's Kylian Mbappe, who has 22, having played in just three tournaments
05
125: Messi scored 125 international goals, and that's more than double the amount netted by any other Argentina player. The previous record was held by Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 in 78 appearances from 1991-2002
125: Messi scored 125 international goals, and that's more than double the amount netted by any other Argentina player. The previous record was held by Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 in 78 appearances from 1991-2002
06
207: The total number of international appearances by Messi, which is also a national record
207: The total number of international appearances by Messi, which is also a national record

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