Lionel Messi’s 21-year career with Argentina was a story of extraordinary highs and crushing lows, but certain moments came to define his place in the country’s football history.

His international legacy stretches from Olympic success as a young star to finally lifting the World Cup as captain, with a long-awaited Copa America triumph and another major title along the way.

Each achievement carried its own significance, whether it ended years of frustration, confirmed Argentina’s return to the top or completed a personal ambition that had followed Messi for much of his career.

As he brings the curtain down on his iconic international football career, let’s take a look at the five moments that stand out as the defining landmarks of his Argentina journey.

Olympic gold in Beijing (2008)

Before Messi became Argentina’s senior team captain and record goalscorer, he started his international journey by helping his country retain its Olympic gold in Beijing.

Argentina entered the 2008 Olympic football tournament with a star-studded squad featuring Messi, Juan Roman Riquelme, Angel Di Maria, Javier Mascherano and Sergio Aguero.

Messi scored twice in the group stage before continuing his influential run through the knockout rounds.

Argentina defeated the Netherlands in extra time in the quarter-finals before overcoming Brazil 3-0 in the semi-final. The final against Nigeria was decided by Di Maria, who scored the only goal of the match with a memorable chip over the goalkeeper.

Argentina won 1-0 to retain their Olympic title. For Messi, the gold medal was his first major international success with Argentina and offered an early glimpse of what he could eventually achieve with the national team.

Ending the trophy drought at the Maracana (2021)

Thirteen years after his Olympic triumph, Messi finally won a major senior international trophy.

Argentina faced Brazil in the 2021 Copa America final at the Maracana, with Messi still searching for his first senior title with the national team.

The match was decided by a single goal. Di Maria collected Rodrigo De Paul’s pass before lifting the ball over Ederson to give Argentina a 1-0 victory.

Messi had finally done it. After three major final defeats in 2014, 2015 and 2016, and his brief retirement from international football following the 2016 Copa America, the trophy drought was over.

Messi finished the tournament with four goals and five assists and was named the tournament’s best player.

The scenes after the final were particularly significant. Messi was mobbed by his teammates and celebrated with his family as Argentina ended a 28-year wait for a senior men’s major trophy.

The Maracana, which had witnessed Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Germany in 2014, had finally become the backdrop for one of Messi’s greatest nights.

Finalissima masterclass against Italy (2022)

Less than a year later, Messi and Argentina delivered another statement on the international stage.

The Finalissima brought together the winners of the Copa America and European Championship, with Argentina facing Italy at Wembley in June 2022.

Messi did not score, but his influence was everywhere. He created chances, repeatedly troubled Italy’s defence and provided two assists as Argentina won 3-0.

Lautaro Martinez opened the scoring after a Messi move, before Di Maria doubled Argentina’s advantage shortly before half-time. Paulo Dybala added the third in stoppage time. The victory extended Argentina’s unbeaten run and strengthened the belief that Scaloni’s team had evolved into a serious force.

For Messi, the performance was significant because it came between Argentina’s Copa America triumph and the World Cup in Qatar. The Finalissima became further evidence that Messi’s Argentina was no longer defined by the painful defeats of the previous decade.

Lifting the World Cup in Qatar (2022)

If one moment defines Messi’s international legacy above all others, it is the image of him lifting the World Cup in Lusail.

Argentina’s campaign had begun with a shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia, but Messi and his teammates recovered to reach the final.

France stood between them and history. The final became one of the greatest matches in World Cup history.

Messi opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Argentina established a two-goal lead. France fought back through Mbappe, and the match eventually finished 3-3 after extra time.

Messi scored again in extra time, but Mbappe completed his hat-trick to force a penalty shootout. This time, Messi’s story ended differently.

He converted Argentina’s first penalty, Emiliano Martinez made crucial saves, and Gonzalo Montiel scored the decisive kick.

Argentina were world champions. Messi had finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him throughout his career. He finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists and won the Golden Ball for the second time.

The World Cup also transformed his place in Argentina’s football history. The player who had spent years being compared with Diego Maradona had now achieved the feat that had defined Maradona’s legacy.

Winning another Copa America (2024)

Messi’s international career could have ended after Qatar. Instead, he returned for another Copa America campaign in 2024 and led Argentina to another win.

The final against Colombia was an emotional night for Messi. After suffering an injury, he was forced off during the second half and broke down in tears on the bench.

But Argentina continued without their captain. The match remained goalless through 90 minutes before Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory.

Messi celebrated from the sidelines as Argentina lifted another major trophy. The victory gave him his second Copa America title, alongside the 2022 World Cup, and made Argentina the first team to win three consecutive major men’s international tournaments in the modern era: the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2024 Copa America.

For Messi, it was also a powerful indication of how much Argentina had changed.

In the past, his team had often depended on him to produce the decisive moment. Now, even after he left the pitch in tears, his teammates were capable of finishing the job.

Pakistan’s Shaheen Shah Afridi, left. celebrates with teammate Babar Azam (AP Photo)

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has claimed that a fallout between Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi over the captaincy played a major role in the national team’s decline.Basit’s comments came after Pakistan’s miserable showing in England, where they have already surrendered the three-match Test series 2-0 following a 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The visitors have faced widespread criticism for their performances, with the team struggling to show any fight in either of the opening two Tests.According to Basit, however, Pakistan’s problems go much deeper than the current results. He believes the leadership dispute between two of the country’s senior players created a damaging divide within the setup.“Babar Azam is not a strong captain. I am not speaking about this based on the performance in England. He has made many wrong decisions. The main reason for Pakistan cricket’s downfall is the rift between Shaheen and Babar. When there was a falling-out between the two over the captaincy, Pakistan cricket was ruined that day,” Ali said on the ‘Game Plan’ show.He also suggested that the consequences of the dispute are still visible in Pakistan cricket.“Many statements were made, saying Shaheen is a very good bowler and Babar is a very good bowler. The rift, whoever created that, the side effects can be seen now,” he added.

Babar and Shaheen captaincy saga

Pakistan’s leadership has gone through repeated changes since the 2023 ODI World Cup.Babar stepped down as captain after Pakistan’s disappointing campaign in India, with Shaheen subsequently handed the ODI leadership. However, after Pakistan’s poor results in New Zealand, Babar returned to the captaincy.His second stint did not last long either. Babar was removed again after Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 T20 World Cup.The constant reshuffling has now left Pakistan with separate captains across formats. Babar leads the Test side, Shaheen is the ODI captain, while Salman Ali Agha is in charge of the T20I team.Basit believes the damage caused by the earlier captaincy dispute cannot be ignored while assessing Pakistan’s current struggles.

Major changes after England disaster

The PCB has now begun making changes following the disastrous England tour.On Monday, the board decided to send seven players home, with Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha among those affected. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also removed from the setup.White-ball coach Mike Hesson will take charge of Pakistan for the third and final Test against England in Birmingham.While Babar remains Pakistan’s Test captain, Shaheen has not been part of the red-ball setup and is currently out of favour in Test cricket.Babar took over as Test captain from Shan Masood earlier this year. Under his leadership, Pakistan drew a two-match Test series against the West Indies.However, his own batting form in the longest format remains a concern. Babar has gone four years without scoring a Test century, adding to the pressure surrounding his leadership as Pakistan prepare for the final Test at Edgbaston.

The Chris Waller-trained Mr Miller exhibited considerable class when he comfortably won the Bankstown Sports Handicap over 1500 metres.

Although this was a benchmark 78 race, Mr Miller is evidently a horse destined for greater things and is now being considered for a start in the highly competitive Group 1 $1.5 million Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 3.

While Waller was attending the Memsie Stakes meeting at Caulfield, stable assistant Darren Beadman spoke highly of the colt.

“Mr Miller should be five (wins) from five (starts),” Beadman commented. “He’s a very push-button type of horse and puts himself into the right spots in his races. He has the turn of foot to put them away quickly.”

The $1.90 favourite, Mr Miller, delivered a performance that aligned with his market position under jockey Tommy Berry, surging clear to win by three lengths. He defeated stablemate Invader Zim ($61) and Silvanito ($31) finished third.

Jockey Tommy Berry, despite battling influenza, had a highly successful day, having already ridden three winners from the first five races on the program after earlier wins on Transcend and Zalique.

“I certainly don’t feel like I’ve ridden three winners,” Berry stated. “But it is worth it when you get to ride nice horses like Mr Miller.

“He’s a real natural, this bloke. He’s very fast out of the machines then as soon as you put him in a spot, he switches off.

“I loved how he picked up around the bend and he feels like he has so many gears.

“He hit the front a long way out and wanted to have a look around but I still made him find the line as he will be up against bigger races and stronger opposition soon.”

This victory was the third from just five starts for Mr Miller, a four-year-old by Almanzor, adding to two previous, albeit unlucky, second placings.

TAB Fixed Odds reacted by significantly reducing his quote for the Epsom Handicap to $11, making him an equal third favourite. He is currently behind the undefeated New Zealand mare Well Written ($4.50) and Autumn Boy ($6).

Beadman noted that Mr Miller’s current handicap rating might be insufficient for Epsom Handicap inclusion. However, Waller has the option to target qualifying races such as the Cameron Handicap, Bill Ritchie Handicap, or Shannon Stakes to earn a start in the feature Randwick mile event.

“I think his rating might be too low to get into an Epsom at the moment but he could get there through one of those qualifying races,” Beadman explained. “Chris has given him plenty of time and everything this horse has done so far has been very impressive.

“He is certainly a horse that is getting everyone to take notice of him.”

The Epsom Handicap is a major target for many horses this season, and the betting action is expected to be intense. Keep an eye on the online bookmakers for the latest odds and offers.

Lionel Messi’s Argentina career ended on Monday, August 31, with Messi regarded as one of the greatest ever to play football. However, it did not begin with the celebrations that would eventually define it.

Before the World Cup triumph, the Copa America titles and the adulation of an entire country came a long list of painful defeats. Messi lost major finals, endured early tournament exits and, at his lowest point, walked away from international football altogether.

From the 2007 Copa America final to the 2016 defeat to Chile that led to his first international retirement, these setbacks shaped Messi into the player and leader he eventually became.

Here are five of the biggest heartbreaks of Messi’s Argentina career, moments that made the glory that followed even more significant.

2007 Copa America final: Brazil end Argentina’s first big chance

The first major heartbreak in Messi’s international career came when he was still only 20.

Argentina had reached the 2007 Copa America final in Venezuela after an impressive campaign. Messi had already begun showing why he was destined to become one of football’s greatest players, scoring against Peru and Mexico in the knockout stages.

But the final against Brazil proved a step too far. Brazil won 3-0, with Julio Baptista opening the scoring. Brazil’s second goal was an own goal by Argentina’s Roberto Ayala, while Daniel Alves scored the third. Messi was unable to make a difference as Argentina suffered a heavy defeat.

It was Messi’s first major final with Argentina and an early indication of how difficult international football would become for him.

The disappointment was especially painful because Argentina had entered the final as favourites and Messi had been one of the standout young players of the tournament.

2014 World Cup final: Germany’s extra-time blow

If there was one defeat that came closest to changing Messi’s Argentina legacy before the trophy-winning era, it was the 2014 World Cup final.

Argentina arrived in Brazil with Messi as captain and in outstanding form. He scored in all three of Argentina’s group matches against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Iran and Nigeria, before helping them navigate a difficult knockout stage.

Argentina defeated Switzerland and Belgium before beating the Netherlands on penalties in the semi-final.

For the first time, Messi was 90 minutes away from becoming a World Cup champion.

The final at Rio de Janeiro’s Maracana was goalless after 90 minutes. Messi had a major opportunity early in the second half, but his effort went wide.

Then, in the 113th minute, Germany’s Mario Gotze controlled Andre Schurrle’s cross on his chest and finished past Sergio Romero.

Argentina had lost 1-0 after extra time. Messi was awarded the World Cup Golden Ball as the tournament’s best player, but the individual honour offered little consolation.

2015 Copa America final: Another shootout, another trophy lost

One year later, Messi had another chance to end Argentina’s long wait for a major senior international title.

Argentina reached the 2015 Copa America final in Chile, setting up a meeting with the hosts.

The match remained goalless after 90 minutes and extra time, sending the final to penalties.

Chile won the shootout 4-1, with Messi scoring Argentina’s only successful penalty.

It was another final lost for Argentina and Messi, and the disappointment was becoming a pattern. He had now lost the 2014 World Cup final and the 2015 Copa America final in successive years.

But his next opportunity for international glory was set to hurt him even more.

2016 Copa America final: The missed penalty and shock retirement

The 2016 Copa America Centenario was supposed to provide redemption. Argentina reached the final again, facing Chile once more. Once again, the match ended 0-0 after extra time. And once again, the trophy would be decided by penalties.

This time, Messi’s own penalty became the defining image. After Chile’s Arturo Vidal had his penalty saved, Messi stepped up for Argentina. He sent his attempt over the crossbar. Chile eventually won the shootout 4-2.

Messi was devastated, sitting in tears after the defeat. Argentina had now lost three major finals in three consecutive years – the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 Copa America finals.

Then came the bombshell. Messi announced his retirement from international football.

“For me, the national team is over,” he said. “I’ve done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion.”

At just 29, Argentina’s biggest star appeared to have reached the end of his international journey. Fortunately for Argentina and his fans across the globe, the retirement lasted only 66 days before he made himself available for selection again.

2018 World Cup: From penalty miss to France heartbreak

Messi returned to the Argentina team, but his next World Cup brought another difficult chapter.

At the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Argentina opened their campaign against Iceland. Messi had the opportunity to give his team the lead from the penalty spot but saw his effort saved in a match that ended 1-1. Argentina then suffered a 3-0 defeat to Croatia, leaving their hopes of reaching the knockout stage in serious danger.

Messi responded against Nigeria, scoring a brilliant goal to help Argentina win 2-1 and advance to the last 16.

But France was waiting. Argentina took the lead twice but eventually lost 4-3 in one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches. Messi assisted two of Argentina’s goals, but a young Kylian Mbappe stole the headlines with two goals and by winning a penalty.

For Messi, another World Cup had ended without the trophy. And yet, this would be the final major disappointment before the story began to change.

The pain made the glory sweeter

Any assessment of Messi’s international legacy cannot be separated from these defeats.

The 2007 Copa America final was the first major disappointment. The 2014 World Cup final brought him within touching distance of the biggest prize in football. The back-to-back Copa America defeats in 2015 and 2016 turned disappointment into despair, with the latter prompting his shock retirement. Even the 2018 World Cup ended in heartbreak. But Messi kept coming back.

He eventually got his breakthrough and won the 2021 Copa America, followed by the 2022 World Cup and another Copa America title in 2024. By the time he announced his international retirement in 2026, he had become Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 207 caps and 125 goals.

The irony of Messi’s Argentina career is that the defeats that once defined him ultimately became part of what made his redemption so powerful.

Asked about a realistic target for Cardiff this season, 11-cap Poland international Beliek added: “First half of the table, for sure.

“We have two more spots in the play-offs, and I honestly believe we are more than capable of getting there, 100 per cent.

“If we can get more clinical in the final third and more stable at the back, we can beat any team in this division.”

Although centre-back is his preferred position, Bielik has previously been used as a defensive midfielder.

The former Arsenal youngster hopes to free up Cardiff’s attacking options to express themselves.

“We have some scary players up front,” he said. “Sheffield couldn’t cope with the energy and the quality we have up there.

“Us centre-backs have to work hard to make sure that our offensive players have an enjoyable game and create chances to win the game.”

PHOTOS: Matthew Stockman, Emilee Chinn / Getty Images via AFP

MANILA, Philippines–As she continues to reach greater heights, Alex Eala brings her impressive run to the US Open, hoping to save the best for last in her final Grand Slam campaign of the season.

From a breakthrough win last year, the Filipino tennis ace carries the momentum of her historic Grand Slam run at Wimbledon, where she reached the round of 16.

The 21-year-old Eala recently won her first Women’s Tennis Association title in Washington and broke into the top 20 with a new career-high ranking of No. 18.

Schedule: Alex Eala at the US Open

September 2, Wednesday – Louis Armstrong Stadium 

• 8:40am (schedule to change) – Alex Eala vs Mary Stoiana – first round

Alex Eala’s path in the US Open

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines speaks during Media Day ahead of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 28, 2026 in New York City. Caleb Bowlin/Getty Images/AFP

Eala was seeded No. 17 at Flushing Meadows and will face Mary Stoiana in the first round of the main draw, which begins on August 30.

Stoiana is making her US Open main-draw debut after surviving the qualifiers.

Should Eala advance to the second round, she will face the winner of the match between Oleksandra Oliynykova and wild card Reese Brantmeier.

Also in Eala’s section of the draw are No. 14 seed Iva Jovic, who opens against Magdalena Frech, and Magda Linette, who also faces a qualifier.

Eala would need to win three straight matches to potentially set up a showdown with fourth-seeded Coco Gauff.

Alex Eala’s US Open history

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines hits a return to Cristina Bucsa of Spain during their women’s singles second round tennis match on day four of the US Open tennis tournament at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, on August 27, 2025. (Photo by TIMOTHY A. CLARY / AFP)

Flushing Meadows is a special place in Eala’s career, as she earned her first Grand Slam main-draw win on her US Open debut last year.

The Filipino tennis ace outlasted Danish player Clara Tauson, 6-3, 2-6, 7-6(11), to book her first US Open win as a professional.

Advertisement

In the second round, she fell to Spain’s Cristina Bucsa, 6-4, 6-3.

In 2024, Eala narrowly missed the main draw after losing the final round of the qualifiers to Elena-Gabriela Ruse in three sets. She beat Maddison Inglis and Nuria Parrizas Diaz to move to the brink of the US Open main draw.

Eala captured her first Junior Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open after beating Lucie Havlickova, 6-2, 6-4, making history for the Philippines.

Alex Eala’s hardcourt build up to the US Open

Alex Eala of the Philippines kisses the championship trophy after winning the women’s singles match against Jessica Pegula of the United States on the final day of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 3, 2026 in Washington, DC. Scott Taetsch/Getty Images/AFP

Advertisement

Eala had a solid North American hard-court campaign, capturing her first WTA Tour title at the Mubadala DC Open after beating World No. 3 Jessica Pegula in a rain-delayed final, 4-6, 6-4, 6-0.

On her way to the historic run, Eala also took down 2024 Paris Olympics gold medalist Qinwen Zheng, defending champion Leylah Fernandez, No. 2 seed Elina Svitolina and tennis superstar Naomi Osaka in their first-ever meeting in the semifinal.

The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate continued her buildup at the Canadian Open in Toronto, beating Alycia Parks and shrugging off a right ankle sprain against Caty McNally.

The weary Eala bowed out to Belinda Bencic in the round of 16, 6-4, 6-0.

Advertisement

Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates her win against Alycia Parks of the United States during day four of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers at Sobeys Stadium on August 05, 2026 in Toronto, Ontario. Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Eala reached the round of 32 at the Cincinnati Open after getting back at Ruse two years after their US Open qualifying duel. But she was eliminated by Amanda Anisimova in three sets.

She also appeared in the Stars of the Open, yielding to close friend Jovic, 6-3, but enjoyed a memorable exhibition match after the two brought their fathers onto the court and shared a brief mixed-doubles game.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.

Advertisement

Your subscription has been successful.

The Filipino also made her Grand Slam mixed-doubles debut with Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime, losing to Elina Svitolina and Gael Monfils, 4-1, 4-1, at the US Open.

Advertisement