Lionel Messi's Argentina career by the numbers: Soccer legend to play final international match

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - Lionel Messi of Argentina reacts after the 0-1 loss during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina. (Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) Maja Hitij - FIFA via Getty Images All eyes will be on Estadio Más Monumental on Tuesday night as Argentina takes on Benin in what won't be an ordinary friendly match. Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player of this generation — and to some, of all time — will play his final match with La Albiceleste . A storied international career that began in 2005 will come to an end after 21 years . As the soccer world bids farewell to the international career of Messi, let's take a look back at his Argentina career by the numbers. 1 - World Cup won by Messi after Argentina defeated France in penalty kicks at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar . 2 - Copa Américas won by Messi as he helped Argentina take the continental title in 2021 and 2024. It is also the same number of Golden Balls he's won at World Cups (2014, 2022) as the tournament's best player. 3 - World Cup finals reached by Argentina with Messi. They lost in 2014 to Germany and to Spain in 2026 . 5 - Most goals scored by Messi in a single match, which came against Estonia in 2022. the feat tied Juan Marvezzi (1941 vs. Ecuador) and José Manuel Moreno (1942 vs. Ecuador) in Argentina men's national team history. 6 - Total number of World Cups reached by Argentina with Messi. He debuted in 2006 and is tied with Cristiano Ronaldo for most by a men's player. 11 - Amount of hat tricks recorded by Messi on the international stage. His first came in 2012 against Switzerland. His most recent came against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup . FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK FOR MESSI! 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi ties Miroslav Klose for the most goals in Men’s FIFA World Cup history with 16 🐐 pic.twitter.com/vw6bl65w7s — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 18 - Messi's jersey number when he made his Argentina debut against Hungary in 2005. 21 - World Cup goals scored by Messi, which includes seven in 2022 and eight this past summer as Argentina reached its second consecutive final. 25 - Number of goals out of Messi's 125 internationally that have come from the penalty spot. He also holds the World Cup record for most penalty kicks missed (3) in the tournament. 47 - Length in seconds of Messi's Argentina debut in 2005. After entering as a second-half substitute during a 2-1 win over Hungary, Messi retaliated to having his jersey pulled by Vilmos Vanczák by throwing his arm back and striking the full-back, earning a straight red card. 🇦🇷 OTD 2005. Lionel Messi was sent off within 40 seconds of his Argentina debut! Argentina v Hungary in Budapest; 18-year old Messi came on in the 64th minute only to leave the field immediately after a perceived elbow. Argentina won 2-1: Maxi Rodríguez & Gabriel Heinze scoring pic.twitter.com/0PuE6PsymI — 📚 Tears at La Bombonera/Dame Bola (@BomboneraTears) August 17, 2026 125 - Total number of goals scored by Messi internationally, second to Cristiano Ronaldo's 146 with Portugal. 208 - Number of total matches Messi will have played with Argentina following Tuesday's friendly against Benin. 2009 - The year Messi took over the iconic No. 10 shirt following Juan Román Riquelme's international retirement. 2016 - The year of Messi's first international retirement. Following the penalty kick defeat in the Copa América Centenario to Chile — the third straight major final loss by Argentina — he made the emotional decision to step away. Two months later, after pleading from teammates and fans, he opted to return to the national team. 7,720 - Amount of days between Messi's Argentina debut at age 18 and his final match for his country at age 39.