After years of disappointment on the international stage, Messi has helped his side to the 2022 World Cup title.
The 35-year-old played a starring role as Argentina defeated France after a penalty shootout, following a 3-3 draw in extra time.
He had already conceded this would be his final appearance at the tournament and he’s now gone out on the perfect note. Messi has scored seven goals from seven games in Qatar.
The PSG star is no stranger to trophy-deciding matches, but even with his win in Qatar he boasts a mixed record on the big stage for club and country.
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Lionel Messi in finals with Argentina
Messi’s international career began in sensational fashion when he fired Argentina to the Under-20 World Cup crown in 2005.
Three years later, Messi would then assist the winning goal as Argentina also claimed gold at the 2008 Olympic Games.
Silverware wasn’t so easy to come by at senior level though, as Messi lost his first four finals with the team before finally lifting the Copa America title in 2021.
Messi scored his first goals for Argentina’s senior team in a final with his double against France at Qatar 2022.
Messi’s finals record overall with Argentina
Lionel Messi in 2014 World Cup final
One of Messi’s most painful defeats came in the 2014 World Cup final against Germany.
Argentina wasted a number of great chances to open the scoring before conceding the only goal in extra time.
While Messi had starred at the tournament in Brazil and won the Golden Ball as a result, he wasn’t at his best in the final.
The attacker had just 66 touches of the ball and put his one real opportunity to score wide of goal in the final.
Messi will be hoping to avoid a repeat of the 2014 result and performance when Argentina compete in the 2022 World Cup final.
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Lionel Messi in finals with Barcelona, PSG
Messi’s success rate in finals at club level is much better than his international one.
While his first final with Barcelona ended in a 3-0 defeat in the UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla in 2006, the Argentine would win his next four finals.
Overall, Messi has been victorious in 18 of the 23 single-leg finals he’s played in at club level to date and scored an impressive 19 goals across those matches.
Messi has also never been subbed off in a final for club and country - a sign of his importance and determination to win when a trophy is on the line.
