Video: it began against Croatia and ended against Egypt: 125 goals that write Messi's eternal legacy
Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football following the 2026 World Cup, concluding a career that spanned over two decades. He leaves as Argentina's all-time top scorer with 125 international goals, having led his country to multiple major tournament victories.
Why it matters
Messi's retirement marks the end of an era for one of the most influential figures in the history of global football.
Video: it began against Croatia and ended against Egypt: 125 goals write Messi's eternal legacy Argentina vs Egypt Argentina Egypt World Cup L. Messi Argentina Egypt US A remarkable career for the legend
Argentine legend Lionel Messi has brought the curtain down on one of the greatest international careers in football history. His retirement from the Argentina national team leaves behind an exceptional legacy of records, titles and timeless moments.
More than 20 years stretched between his first and last international goals. The journey began with a strike against Croatia and ended with his 125th goal against Egypt, during the round of 16 clash at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi's first goal in the Argentina shirt came on 1 March 2006 in a friendly against Croatia. He came off the bench and left his mark, announcing the birth of an exceptional scoring career with his country.
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