Looking Back At Lionel Messi's Historic World Cup Career

The greatest of all time. Thank you, Messi.

On Monday morning, Lionel Messi announced that he has retired from international play, culminating a 22-year career with Argentina that included a World Cup title. 

Across six World Cup appearances, Messi has led Argentina to the quarterfinals or better five times and reached the final three times. His résumé includes six World Cup appearances, 34 matches, 21 goals, 12 assists and countless records, many of which he extended during his historic tournament this summer. 

His legacy on the tournament’s biggest stage is unlike anything the sport has ever seen.

With Messi officially calling time on his legendary international career, let’s look back at his remarkable World Cup journey, beginning with his all-time tournament records before revisiting each of his six appearances on soccer’s biggest stage. 

To the “little boy from Rosario, Argentina,” it has been an absolute pleasure.

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