Lionel Messi and Argentina: A love story that changed international football forever

Lionel Messi and Argentina's story was never a straightforward one. It began with a choice, endured years of heartbreak and came alive with glory before finally reaching its bittersweet ending. As Messi says goodbye to the Albiceleste, football's greatest love story comes to a close.Messi leaves the national team having become Argentina's defining football icon. (Photo: Reuters)In sports, there are a few love stories that strike a chord with fans. In cricket, the famous example would be the journey that Sachin Tendulkar had with the Indian team. You can also look at Kobie Bryant and LA Lakers as another one in the list. Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's connection truly defined the sport of Formula One.Then comes the story of Lionel Messi and Argentina. We live in an age where football stars are often shown as symbols of the clubs that they play for. It was the same with Messi for a long time, as he was synonymous with Barcelona. But if you wanted a script for a love story, then it is the 39-year-old and Albiceleste.And now, it has come to an end with Messi announcing his retirement from international football and saying that he will not be seen in Argentina's famous colours once again. As the famous dialogue goes, this is a story that had drama, emotion and a bit of tragedy in it. But in the end, it is one that changed international football forever.'NEVER STOPPED BEING ARGENTINE'When a young Messi was slowly making heads turn in Spain, his international allegiance was yet to be decided. He was the young boy from Rosario, who made his way to a foreign land to make his name in football. Spain made a strong pitch to have him pick them as their golden generation was a few years away from starting their reign over international football.The news made its way to Argentina and the federation started to make their push. But in the end, it always seemed like Messi had his heart on one thing. Representing Argentina."I've never stopped being Argentine, and I've never wanted to. I feel very proud of being Argentine, even though I left there. I've been clear about this since I was very young, and I never wanted to change," said Messi.And the signs were there from the moment he started wearing the Argentina jersey. Just shy of a month before making his senior debut, Messi played an integral role in the team which won the FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005. He scored a tournament-high six goals – including both in the 2-1 final win over Nigeria – to win the Golden Boot and the Golden Ball.But the senior debut ended in a bit of heartbreak. In August 2005, Messi entered the stage to play for Argentina against Hungary and within 47 seconds, he was off after seeing a red card.However, thats why some love stories are special. The start is never going to be a smooth one.In his sixth start came the first of his 125 goals for Argentina. And there was beauty to it. A cutback to the left, which has now become iconic, and he curled the ball into the back of the net. 2006, the day Messi's big and glorious Argentina chapter got going. (Photo: Reuters) The odyssey continued, and this time on the global stage as Jose Pekermen got him on the plane to Germany for the 2006 World Cup.And against Serbia and Montenegro, Messi marked his presence on the big stage of the World Cup with a goal. While Argentina bowed out in the quarterfinal, Messi was ready to present his first gift to his love.At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, he played a big role in his side winning the Olympic gold medal. The love soon followed from the Albiceleste faithful. Messi became the heart and soul of Argentina football in no time. (Photo: Reuters) They handed him the No.10 jersey and made him the heir apparent to the great Maradona. And it was given to him by the man himself.“I remember Diego telling me he wanted to give me the shirt he’d worn, that he saw me ready to wear it, and that it was time,” said Messi at that time.THE PAIN OF UNENDING LOVEThe issue with love at times is that even when you can give your everything, it may not always give back what you want. This was the same with Messi and Argentina.The pain started in 2007 when he saw his favourite side get beaten by Brazil in the Copa America final. By this time, Messi was given the armband and the responsibility to inspire Argentina's golden era.But another Copa America embarrassment followed in the form of an early exit. Then came the big one. The 2014 World Cup final. Argentina were beaten in the final by Germany and Messi collected the golden ball, but his face at the time told the whole story.While awards and accolades came in at club level with Barcelona, Messi's international career with Argentina remained lacklustre.Argentina came agonisingly close to ending their long wait for Copa America glory in 2015 and again in 2016, when the tournament marked its 100th anniversary with a special edition. Messi was outstanding during both campaigns and even moved past Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina's record goalscorer in the 2016 tournament. Yet, despite his individual brilliance, the story ended in heartbreak on both occasions, with Chile prevailing in penalty shootouts in back-to-back finals. Messi's journey with Argentina was denied glory multiple times, mostly in the finals. (Photo: Reuters) After the 2016 Copa America loss, Messi said he had done all he could and the chapter with Argentina was over."For me, the national team is over," he said. "I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion."But there is an issue with true love. You can never stay away from it. One month after his initial retirement, Messi was back in the colours of Albiceleste.MESSI WINS IT ALL FOR ARGENTINAWhile Messi's second coming for Argentina wasn't an instant success, things were about to change in 2021. Under the tutelage of Lionel Scaloni, Argentina decided to form a team for Messi. One that was going to put their bodies on the line for their main hero.The results soon followed. 2021 marked the start of Argentina's rise in world football. During the Copa America 2021 campaign in Brazil, Messi scored four goals and assisted five. He wasn't at his best in the final but Angel di Maria scored the winner and Argentina handed him his first international trophy. 2021 Copa America, the beginning of the glory days. (Photo: Reuters) The finalissima soon followed in 2022 just before the World Cup.Then came the journey to Qatar.The start wasn't great as Argentina lost to Saudi Arabia. But then Messi stepped up. By the knockout stages, he had taken complete control of Argentina's campaign. He produced a brilliant individual display to overcome Mexico before finding the net against Australia in the round of 16. Against the Netherlands and Croatia, he contributed a goal and an assist in each game, driving Argentina into yet another World Cup final. 2022, Messi finally got his World Cup. (Photo: Reuters) The showpiece against France became one of the greatest finals in tournament history. Messi scored twice as the two sides battled to a thrilling 3-3 draw after extra time. He then calmly converted his penalty in the shootout as Argentina finally secured the World Cup trophy — the prize that had eluded him throughout his career and meant more to him than any other.Another Copa America trophy was added in 2024 and the love story was at its peak.THE CLOSING CHAPTEREvery story has its end and for Messi and Argentina, the 2026 World Cup was it. Many felt maybe the Argentine maestro should have retired in Qatar, but he wanted to lift the trophy one more time.He had his personal battles off the pitch with his father, Jorge, being hospitalised. But once again, Messi took charge of things on the field.A hat-trick against Algeria started everything off and Argentina's march looked unstoppable, well for the most part of it. They needed to dig deep against Cabo Verde and Egypt, and Messi was there to show his team how to overcome adversity.He scripted the England semi-final win with two assists but ultimately fell in the final. Messi's clutch performance against England in 2026 World Cup will remain iconic for generations. (Photo: Reuters) Once his father passed away, Messi didn't feel that same connection to football. And in the end, that was the call that made him call time on his career."It was a decision that hurt, and still hurts deeply, but I understand that this is the right time. I swear I always gave everything — not just during the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave my all for this shirt, to bring you joy and make you feel proud to be Argentine through football.""There is little time left and chapters are beginning to close, and this is one that hurts me a lot. I love, have loved and will always love being part of the national team. I gave everything I had; I have nothing more left to give. Besides, there are some great young players coming through who deserve their opportunity." Messi could not end his international journey with a World Cup, but did he really need one? (Photo: Reuters) "I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only have dreamed of. It was crazy to experience it all with you. I love you!" said an emotional Messi.Probably his parting words sum up what Argentina meant for him. Messi could have gone on a different path, even retired early and never come back.But for him, the love of Argentina trumped everything and gave him all."Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Vamos, Argentina!"- EndsPublished By: Debodinna ChakrabortyPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 06:53 IST