Lionel Messi left an indelible mark in the history of the Argentine National Team and his goals were a fundamental part of a journey that led him to become one of the greatest idols of national football. Over two decades, the Rosario native starred in memorable plays, impossible finishes, and goals that will forever be marked by their beauty, but also by their immense importance.
From his first goal in a friendly against Croatia in 2006 to his latest achievements with the Albiceleste, including World Cups, Copa América, Qualifiers, and friendlies, these are the 10 best goals of Messi with the Argentine National Team, along with some honorable mentions that are also part of his legacy.
The 10 Best Goals of Messi with the Argentine National Team
1. The Maradona-like goal against Brazil (Friendly 2012)
In an electrifying friendly in New Jersey that ended 4-3 in favor of Argentina, Messi scored a hat-trick. The last goal was a work of art: he took the ball near the halfway line leaning on the right wing, accelerated past Marcelo, positioned his left foot before reaching the penalty area, and nailed it into the upper corner past goalkeeper Rafael.
2. The perfect lob against Mexico (Copa América 2007)
In the semifinals of Venezuela 2007, a 20-year-old Messi demonstrated absolute class. After receiving a pass from Carlos Tevez at the right edge of the penalty area, he saw goalkeeper Oswaldo Sánchez slightly off his line and, without hesitation, executed a subtle and perfect lob that sailed over the goalkeeper to find the back of the net.
3: The iconic free kick against the United States (Copa América Centenario 2016)
During the semifinals in Houston, Messi not only became the all-time leading scorer for the National Team surpassing Gabriel Batistuta, but he did it with a goal from another galaxy. From over 25 meters away and almost no angle on the left side, he unleashed a powerful shot with an impressive curve directly into the corner of goalkeeper Brad Guzan, who could only appear in the photo.
4: Control and finish of a world-class player against Nigeria (World Cup Russia 2018)
In a moment of maximum tension where Argentina was fighting for qualification to the round of 16, the captain appeared with pure technical quality. Éver Banega launched a long pass and Messi, in full stride, controlled the ball with his left thigh, adjusted it with a second touch using his left foot without letting it drop, and finished crosswise with his right foot to unleash the Albiceleste madness.
5: The mystique in the final against France (World Cup Qatar 2022)
While he had aesthetically more striking goals, his second goal in the final at Lusail (the 3-2 in extra time) is unmatched for its emotional and historical weight. After a great collective play and a rebound from the goalkeeper, he pushed the ball with his right foot over the goal line before the defense could clear it, a shout that guided Argentina to its third star.
6: Agony and relief against Iran (World Cup Brazil 2014)
In the group stage, Argentina struggled to find paths against a tight Iranian defense, and the match was dying in a pale 0-0. In the 91st minute, Messi took the ball in the right third of the field, cut inside to find his profile and unleashed a precise curling left-footed shot to the far post. A last-minute goal that sent the Albiceleste into the round of 16.
7: Dance in the area and finish against Paraguay (Qualifiers 2012)
In a great moment of Alejandro Sabella's era, Argentina defeated Paraguay 3-1 in Córdoba. After hitting the posts twice during the match, Messi's revenge came with a work of art from a set piece: he placed the ball over 30 meters from the goal, unleashed a masterful left-footed shot with perfect curve that surpassed the wall and entered just grazing the left post of Justo Villar. It was a historic celebration, as it marked his first official free kick goal with the Senior National Team.
8: Missile free kick against Colombia (Qualifiers 2016)
In a crucial match played in San Juan where Argentina urgently needed to win due to its complicated situation in the South American Qualifiers for Russia 2018, the captain opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a masterpiece from a set piece. From a considerable distance and facing the goal, he unleashed a powerful shot that hit the crossbar before spectacularly entering the upper corner of goalkeeper David Ospina.
9: The "Futsalera" work of art against Bosnia (World Cup Brazil 2014)
In the World Cup debut at the Maracanã Stadium, Messi created one of his most iconic plays. He started from the right, executed a perfect wall pass with Gonzalo Higuaín, drew the marking of three defenders at the edge of the area feigning a shot, and when he found the space, he placed it low against the post, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance after hitting the post.
10: Sentence and madness against Mexico (World Cup Qatar 2022)
After the harsh initial setback against Saudi Arabia, the tension in the match against Mexico was total and the score remained locked. In the second half, Ángel Di María assisted him in the center, and Messi, from outside the area, controlled and unleashed a low, powerful, and angled shot that surpassed Guillermo Ochoa's stretch. It was the goal that released the nerves and began the journey towards the world title.
Honorable Mentions
11: The baptism of goal against Croatia (Friendly 2006)
On March 1, 2006, in the city of Basel, Switzerland, the world witnessed the birth of the scoring myth. At just 18 years old, a long-haired Messi wearing the number 19 jersey pressured the Croatian defense, recovered the ball in the right third of the field, and drove towards the center. Upon reaching the edge of the penalty area, he unleashed his already classic and patented left-footed shot to the far post, unreachable for goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa.
12: The final shout of the legend against Egypt (World Cup 2026)
The goal that closed the cycle of the greatest of all time occurred on July 7 in the round of 16 of the World Cup. With Argentina suffering and on the verge of an unexpected elimination (trailing 2-1), the captain donned the firefighter's suit. After a cross and a series of rebounds in the area, the ball fell to him, and Messi, without hesitation, unleashed a powerful and historic left-footed shot that kissed the crossbar before bulging the net.
That last-minute goal sparked the Albiceleste's comeback (3-2) and was recorded as the last official celebration of Leo with the National Team jersey before his international retirement.
