The memory wall
2005
17 August 2005
vs Hungary, Budapest
An 18 year old Messi comes off the bench for his Argentina debut and is sent off barely a minute later. The most unlikely start to the greatest international career ever.
2006
1 March 2006
vs Croatia, Basel
Messi's first senior goal in the albiceleste, the first of a record breaking tally.
2006
16 June 2006
Germany 2006
He scores against Serbia and Montenegro in a 6 to 0 win, becoming Argentina's youngest ever World Cup goalscorer.
2007
11 September 2007
vs Australia, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
A 20 year old Messi plays in Australia for the first time in front of more than 70,000 fans. He hits the post from long range, then his free kick sets up Martín Demichelis for the only goal in a 1 to 0 win over the Socceroos.
2008
23 August 2008
vs Nigeria, Beijing National Stadium, China
Messi sets up Ángel Di María's winner in a 1 to 0 final as Argentina win Olympic gold in China, his first major trophy in the national team colours.
2008
2008 – 2010
Diego Maradona becomes Argentina coach
The two greatest number 10s in Argentina's history, together. Maradona names Messi as his heir and builds the team around him through to the 2010 World Cup.
2009
Ballon d'Or
The first. A 22-year-old after a historic treble with Barcelona.
2010
Ballon d'Or
Back to back, the first FIFA Ballon d'Or.
2011
2 September 2011
vs Venezuela, Salt Lake Stadium, Kolkata, India
Messi leads Argentina out as permanent captain for the first time, in front of a huge crowd in Kolkata. Argentina win 1 to 0.
2011
Ballon d'Or
Three in a row after a second Champions League in three years.
2012
29 February 2012
vs Switzerland, Bern
Captain Messi scores his first international hat-trick in a 3 to 1 win.
2012
Ballon d'Or
Four straight, in the year of 91 goals.
2014
13 July 2014
vs Germany, Maracanã
Argentina fall 1 to 0 in extra time. Messi is named Player of the Tournament (Golden Ball).
2015
Ballon d'Or
Number five after the MSN treble season.
2016
2015 and 2016
Copa América Finals vs Chile
Two finals lost to Chile on penalties. After 2016 Messi announces his international retirement, then reverses it weeks later after a nation begs him to come back.
2016
2016
Argentina
Messi passes Gabriel Batistuta to become Argentina's record goalscorer.
2017
9 June 2017
vs Brazil, Melbourne Cricket Ground, Australia
Messi returns to Melbourne as more than 95,000 fans pack the MCG to watch Argentina beat Brazil 1 to 0.
2019
Ballon d'Or
A record sixth, after 36 league goals.
2021
10 July 2021
vs Brazil, Maracanã
His first senior trophy with Argentina, won at the Maracanã. Messi is named best player and top scorer of the tournament.
2021
Ballon d'Or
Seven, crowned by his first Copa América.
2022
1 June 2022
vs Italy, Wembley
Argentina beat the European champions 3 to 0 with Messi as player of the match.
2022
3 December 2022
World Cup Round of 16, Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Qatar
In the 1000th game of his career, Messi scores his first ever World Cup knockout goal as Argentina beat the Socceroos 2 to 1.
2022
18 December 2022
vs France, Lusail
The greatest final ever played. Messi scores twice in a 3 to 3 thriller, Argentina win on penalties, and he lifts the World Cup. He becomes the first player to win the Golden Ball twice. The crest gains its third star.
2023
15 June 2023
vs Australia, Workers' Stadium, Beijing
Messi scores after just 79 seconds against Australia, the fastest goal of his career, in a 2 to 0 win.
2023
Ballon d'Or
Eight. The World Champion's crown.
2024
14 July 2024
vs Colombia, Miami
Argentina retain the Copa América. Messi leaves the final injured and in tears before the team wins it in extra time.
2026
Summer 2026
World Cup, USA, Canada and Mexico
At 39, in a record sixth World Cup, Messi leads Argentina all the way to another World Cup final, the third of his career. One last tournament run for the captain, played in front of fans who crossed the world to see him.
2026
Tuesday 6 October 2026
vs Benin, Estadio Mâs Monumental, Buenos Aires
There will never be enough words to thank you for all the joy you’ve given us. The greatest of all time. Forever grateful for you, Captain.
Predict the score
