Lionel Messi in his 30s was one of the best international players ever
In the decade after his short-lived first retirement, the Argentina talisman upended previous narratives and solidified his place in history
TL;DR
- Lionel Messi retired from international football in 2016 after losing a third consecutive major final with Argentina.
- He returned to the national team shortly after, driven by his love for his country and the sport.
- In his 30s, Messi's international career experienced a remarkable resurgence, marked by significant trophy wins, including the World Cup.
- This second act dramatically altered his international legacy, shifting it from one of heartbreak to one of triumph and solidifying his place in soccer history.
- His individual statistics after returning from retirement were exceptional, with a high number of goals and assists in fewer appearances compared to many other greats.