Lionel Messi will lead Argentina out in the 2026 World Cup final tonight, bidding to etch another massive moment into a career packed full of them.
Messi has won it all with Argentina, though he needed to overcome early adversity before delivering success with the national team.
Ahead of facing Spain, the country where he became the world’s finest footballer, we’ve looked back at Messi’s record in major finals for Argentina.
Brazil 3-0 Argentina – 2007 Copa America
Messi’s first major final with the national team ended in disappointment as Argentina were thrashed by arch-rivals Brazil. Goals from Julio Baptista and Dani Alves, alongside an own goal from Roberto Ayala, secured a statement win for Brazil. Messi, then just 20, played the entire 90 minutes but was unable to make an impact.
Germany 1-0 Argentina – 2014 FIFA World Cup
Messi’s next final for Argentina did not arrive until the 2014 World Cup. The 27-year-old was named as winner of the World Cup’s Golden Ball after leading Argentina to the decider, but it ended in heartbreak as Germany secured an extra-time win. Mario Gotze’s goal crowned Germany world champions.
Chile 0-0 Argentina, Chile win 4-1 on penalties – 2015 Copa America
Chile secured their first Copa América title in history after a penalty shootout win over Messi and Argentina in the 2015 final.
Messi was the only Argentine to convert from the spot, as Gonzalo Higuain blazed over and Ever Banega was denied by Claudio Bravo. Alexis Sanchez stepped up to crown Chile champions and extend Argentina’s trophy drought to 22 years. As he had been at the World Cup a year earlier, Messi was named Player of the Tournament but missed out again.
Argentina 0-0 Chile, Chile win 4-2 on penalties – 2016 Copa America
Messi announced his retirement from international football after Argentina lost the 2016 Copa America final to Chile. It was another shootout defeat for Argentina, and a third major final loss in consecutive years. Messi missed his kick in the shootout as Argentina agonisingly lost again, in what was the Copa América Centenario to celebrate a century of the tournament.
Thankfully, Messi reversed his decision and returned to international football.
Argentina 1-0 Brazil – 2021 Copa America final
After losing four major tournament finals, Messi finally got his hands on silverware with the national team after lifting the 2021 Copa America.
Argentina beat Brazil 1-0 to end a 28-year wait for a major trophy. Angel Di Maria scored the decisive goal.
Italy 0-3 Argentina – 2022 Finalissima
Argentina’s Copa America win saw them take on European champions Italy in the 2022 intercontinental clash, revived as the Finalissima.
A one-sided win for Argentina saw Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria and Paulo Dybala on target.
Argentina 3-3 France, Argentina win 4-2 on penalties – 2022 FIFA World Cup
The pinnacle of Messi’s international career arrived in Qatar in 2022, as Argentina secured their third world title. It was a tournament that Messi defined, scoring seven goals to win the Golden Boot. Messi netted twice in an epic final win over France, as Argentina edged the shootout to become world champions for the first time since 1986.
For Messi, arguably the game’s greatest-ever talent, it was success on the biggest stage of all.
Messi, Qatar, and the fulfilment of a football fairytale
Argentina 1-0 Colombia – 2024 Copa America
Argentina defended their Copa America title with a hard-fought win over Colombia in 2024. Lautaro Martinez’s extra-time goal sealed success for Argentina, who made it three consecutive international tournaments.
Lionel Messi’s record in major international tournament finals
- Finals played – 8
- Finals won – 4
- Finals lost – 4
- Goals scored – 2
- Assists – 2
Read – Every team to have defended the World Cup as Argentina chase history
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