Lionel Messi has posted a receipt-style image on Instagram that itemises his international career, closing with the phrase "GOAT debate - settled" in a pointed reference to his long-standing rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo. The post, created for a brand campaign, lists his goals, assists, minutes played, and major honours with Argentina as individual line items on a bar-receipt design.
Receipt-Style Post Details Career Highlights
According to Messi's official Instagram page, the image features his most significant international achievements, including Argentina's 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph, multiple Copa America titles, an Olympic gold medal, the Finalissima trophy, and a figure representing the millions of fans he has inspired. The post arrives shortly after Messi announced his retirement from international football, making it a final statement on his legacy.
Messi's path to this point was not straightforward. He briefly retired from international duty in 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa America final to Chile, only to reverse that decision. His return eventually delivered the success that had long eluded him.
World Cup Glory and Record-Breaking Campaign
In 2021, Messi helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for Copa America success, as reported by Yahoo Sports. The following year in Qatar, he led the country to its first World Cup title in 36 years, beating France in the final. The match finished 3-3 in normal time, with Argentina winning 4-2 on penalties, Messi scoring twice and converting from the spot.
He added a second consecutive Copa America in 2024, giving Argentina back-to-back continental titles. Across six World Cup tournaments between 2006 and 2026, Messi scored 21 goals in 34 matches, making him the second-highest scorer in World Cup history, behind France's Kylian Mbappe who holds the record with 22 goals.
2026 Tournament and the Number 10 Shirt Debate
At the 2026 tournament, Messi scored eight goals and contributed four assists, including his first-ever World Cup hat-trick against Algeria. During the tournament, he briefly overtook Germany's Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading scorer before Mbappe eventually surpassed him.
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that FIFA regulations prevent the permanent retirement of jersey numbers, meaning another player will soon wear Argentina's iconic number 10 shirt. This has sparked debate about who is worthy to fill Messi's shoes following his international retirement.
