Messi slams the door: five misses with the Albiceleste

Lionel Messi announced his international retirement with Argentina this Monday. A decision that marks the end of an era for one of the greatest footballers in history, after years of glory but also memorable slumps. Aubameyang, the Valencia ogre in La Liga, could well attest to that.

A career of extremes

Between major titles and disappointments, Messi’s international career with Argentina swung between the sublime and the catastrophic. After lifting the World Cup in 2022 and the Copa América in 2021, the striker endured far less glorious moments. His journey in blue and white was not always smooth sailing—far from it. Among the toughest challenges, some matches left a lasting mark due to their disappointing outcomes. These games, where Messi and his teammates failed to meet expectations, remain etched in the minds of Argentine fans.

The five failures that punctuated his journey

The first of these came at the 2016 World Cup, where Argentina lost the final to Germany after extra time. A match where Messi, despite his usual brilliance, could not prevent elimination. A defeat that left a bitter taste for millions of fans. In 2019, the Copa América held in Brazil was also a nightmare for La Albiceleste. Eliminated in the semifinals by Brazil, Argentina saw its home title dream slip away. Messi, the iconic captain, faced criticism following this latest setback.

Failures that forged a legend

Despite these setbacks, Messi always managed to bounce back, proving his resilience time and again. His trophy cabinet speaks for itself: world champion, Copa América winner, multiple-time Ballon d’Or. These titles have, for many, erased the shadows of those difficult moments. His final match for the national team, before announcing his retirement, will likely remain unforgettable. A farewell that closes an exceptional chapter, but also a career marked by contrasting emotions. As Wirtz and Liverpool’s worst transfer window according to Carragher highlights, strategic choices can sometimes weigh heavily on the scales.