In pictures: 11 years of Messi

Here’s a look at what made highlights in Argentinian superstar’s international career.

Dawn Sport Published June 28, 2016

Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football on Sunday after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America.

It was Argentina’s fourth straight defeat featuring Messi in a major final.

"I’ve done all I can, I’ve been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion. It’s a hard moment for me and the team, and it’s difficult to say, but it’s over with the Argentina team," the heartbroken Barcelona striker said after the match.

Here are some highlights from Messi’s 11-year international career:

Coming in as a second-half substitute, Messi was sent off within 30 seconds on his international debut in 2005. — AFP

At the age of 19, Messi made his World Cup debut in 2006. — Reuters

Messi played his first Copa America final in 2007, which Argentina lost to Brazil 3-0 in Maracaibo, Venezuela. — Reuters

Messi stormed in as Argentina’s captain in 2011. — AFP

Messi led his side to the final of FIFA World Cup 2014 which they lost to Germany 1-0 at Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. — AFP

In his penultimate international game, Messi became the highest goal scorer for Argentina with a free-kick against the United States in the semi-final of 2016 Copa America. — AFP

After failing to end Argentina’s title drought, a heartbroken Messi bids adieu to international football. — AFP

Comments (12) Closed

Akamaramma

Jun 28, 2016 03:01pm

Am a Nigeria also Barcelona fan'' Please Messi don't retire for national team and wait for one more tournament like world cup god of soccer will see you through with title, Thanks Akamaramma.

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Dr.Cajetan Coelho

Jun 28, 2016 04:25pm

For sure, he will come back. There is lot more top quality football yet to come from the boots of Messi.

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Shahid Akbar, New York

Jun 28, 2016 06:10pm

Please follow the lead from Shahid Afridi and come back!

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Diehard football

Jun 28, 2016 08:45pm

My dream is to see Messi lift the World Cup 2018. I am confident he will take back his decision. He is the greatest footballer on the Planer

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Khan

Jun 28, 2016 09:59pm

You must not say farewell to a game whose charming multiplies with you. You are the ever best athlete and best scorer of the world with unrivaled skills of playing. You ruled the world of soccer for several consecutive years. Your farewell bid teared the world as similarly they once stunned by your amusing playing strikes. What happened if you missed the penalty kick and do not end the title drought for Argentina in Copa Cup. You must stay, you must play, the spectators await yet again to see your magic style in soccer arena. O Soccer King! take your farewell bid, the fan spectators will look surely something missing sans you. Your the only one distributing entertainment splendors. will not let you go away.

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imran Khan

Jun 29, 2016 05:27am

miss you messi

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Baber

Jun 29, 2016 08:52am

Please come back Messi, We has Shahid Afridi Shahid Afridi Resigned and came back again & again Be like Shaid Afridi.

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Abdul Rehman

Jun 29, 2016 08:36pm

Messi should not retire from international football

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Abdul Rehman

Jun 29, 2016 08:39pm

please come back messi we are you miss and do not retire form international Football

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Hasnat Aslam

Jun 29, 2016 11:58pm

A Player has to come and has to go

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Dr. Salaria, Aaminr Ahmad?

Jun 30, 2016 02:18pm

Its high time and right time for him to call it a quits right now and retire with dignity and respect.

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mumtaz shah

Jul 01, 2016 01:29pm

Mega superstar

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