In terms of pure talent, Lionel Messi's most brilliant years probably belong to the time he wore the Barcelona shirt from 2005 to 2021.
At that time, Messi reached the peak in terms of physique and technique and played in a system that was almost perfect with his qualities. However, the journey with the Argentine team brought a different value. That is the story of failure, change and the ability to overcome his own limits.
More than 21 years ago, Messi first wore the Argentine jersey at the South American U20 Championship in Colombia. At that time, he was only 17 years old and had lived in Barcelona for 4 years. Spain also wanted to own this young talent, forcing Argentina to act quickly.
Messi then along with Sergio Aguero helped Argentina win the U20 World Cup in 2005. Not long after, he was called up to the national team. His debut match in the match against Hungary in August 2005 became an unforgettable memory in an undesirable way. Messi only appeared for less than 5 minutes before being sent off after the referee ruled that he had used his elbow.
The following years continued to bring many disappointments. Messi witnessed Argentina being eliminated by Germany in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup. 4 years later, they continued to lose to Germany 0-4 in South Africa. More painful were the three consecutive defeats in the finals: World Cup 2014 against Germany, Copa America 2015 against Chile and Copa America 2016 also against Chile.
In the 2016 final, Messi missed a penalty. After the match in New Jersey, he announced his farewell to the Argentine national team. That was the peak of disappointments accumulated for a long time.
Messi then returned, but the difficulties were not over. The 2018 World Cup in Russia continued to be a forgettable tournament for Argentina. They drew with Iceland, lost to Croatia, won against Nigeria to win a ticket to the knockout round, before being eliminated by France in the round of 16 after a 7-goal match. At that time, Messi was over 30 years old but had not yet scored in the World Cup knockout round.
The question is whether he should continue to try or not. And the answer has created one of the most beautiful chapters of international football.
Lionel Scaloni, a coach with little experience at the national team level, and Messi began to change Argentina. El Pulga is no longer simply the most talented star but has become a true leader. He is more proactive, stronger and ready to encourage his young teammates.
Copa America 2019 is an important turning point. Argentina is only third, but Scaloni is gradually forming a team with a clear structure. Messi has also changed his way of expressing himself. Angel Di Maria once commented that he likes "Messi", a proactive version and creating greater influence than before.
After a long wait since 1993, Argentina finally regained the feeling of victory. Copa America 2021 was Messi's first major title with the national team. Followed by Finalissima and the peak of the 2022 World Cup.
Argentina continued to win the 2024 Copa America before completing the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with impressive results. Messi then advanced with the national team to the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, where he witnessed the announcement of his retirement from the national team a decade ago.
The difference is that Messi not only won titles. He has changed the way he faces failure. From a player who was under terrible pressure and questioned about his ability to succeed with Argentina, Messi has become an icon honored by home fans.
If the years at Barcelona prove Messi's innate talent can reach anywhere, then his international career shows something else: talent is just the starting point. It is the ability to stand up after failures, change himself and continue to fight that has helped Messi write the most glorious chapter in his journey with Argentina.
