Messi's Iconic Moments with Argentina National Team

Lionel Messi made his debut for Argentina in a 2-1 international friendly win over Hungary, where he received a red card just 43 seconds after coming on as a substitute. He later scored a hat-trick against Brazil in a friendly match, showcasing his talent during a challenging period for the national team.

In 2016, Messi became Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer with a free kick against Uruguay in the Copa America Centenario. However, he faced heartbreak in the final against Chile, announcing his retirement after the match.

Following a national campaign led by then-President Mauricio Macri and support from figures like Diego Maradona and Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi returned to the national team, scoring the only goal in a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. His first major international trophy came in 2021 when Argentina defeated Brazil in the Copa America final.

Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory, scoring seven goals and providing three assists throughout the tournament.