Messi: The Argentina Career That Finally Delivered His Greatest Prize

LONDON, Oct 7 (Bernama-PA Media/dpa) -- Lionel Messi leaves international football after one of the greatest careers on that stage the game has seen.

The 39-year-old finally fulfilled his destiny when he guided Argentina to World Cup glory four years ago, but that was far from the full extent of an extraordinary journey, reported PA Media/dpa.

In all he appeared in six World Cup tournaments, reaching the final on three occasions with two runners-up finishes as well that long-awaited success in Qatar four years ago.

He also won the Copa America twice and scored a record 126 goals for his country in 206 appearances over 21 years.

That he was still delivering this season, dragging Argentina to within a win of a fourth world title, was a final reminder of his enduring brilliance and remarkable longevity.

There may be no definitive answer to whether he has surpassed Diego Maradona or Pele in the debate over who is the greatest of all time, but there is no doubt he belongs in that most exclusive of company.

Compared to the first half of his club career, when he set the world alight with Barcelona, Messi’s impact with Argentina was more of a slow-burner.

Perhaps burdened by high expectations and comparisons with Maradona, and seeming more distant having been based in Spain since the age of 13, it took some time to truly earn a place in his country’s affections.

Repeated disappointments led to a first retirement from international football in 2016 but that was a decision he reversed as he sought to secure a more fitting legacy for his multiple Ballon d’Or-winning talent in his homeland.

He finally ended his wait for a major senior international trophy at the 2021 Copa America, scoring four goals en route to Argentina’s defeat of beat Brazil in the final.

That erased the frustrations of near misses in 2007, 2015 and 2016 but there was still one more wrong to put right.

He accomplished that in Qatar when he scored seven goals as Argentina bounced back from defeat to Saudi Arabia in their first game to end a 36-year wait for World Cup success.

Two of those goals came in a thrilling 3-3 draw against France in the final, which was settled on penalties. Messi also did his bit from the spot.

For a while it seemed the fairytale might have one more chapter. He may have spent most of the latest World Cup strolling around the pitch, no longer the bustling figure he once was, but the touch was still there.

He again stood out in another run to the final, this time scoring eight goals to take his overall tally at the finals to 21.

The dream was ended by Spain but, even in defeat, Messi had illuminated the football world once again.

Fittingly there was a farewell goal – as well as two assists – on his final appearance, a 3-0 win against Benin in Buenos Aires.

--BERNAMA-PA MEDIA/dpa