The before and after that Lionel Messi marked in the Argentine national team: which players held the records he broke

Lionel Messi has established a career of unprecedented statistical achievement with the Argentine national team, surpassing long-standing records for goals, appearances, assists, and performance in World Cup tournaments. His tenure as captain is widely regarded as the most significant in the team's history, defined by a series of major milestones and individual accomplishments that redefined the standard for the national squad.

While his career is marked by these historic records, the narrative surrounding his time with the national team has also included moments of personal and professional turbulence. Reports note instances of significant emotional distress and past considerations of retirement following high-profile tournament losses, illustrating the complex trajectory of his long-term commitment to the Argentine side.