Ranking Lionel Messi's 5 best years with Argentina

#3 2014

Germany v Argentina: 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Final

Lionel Messi was unlucky not to win the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The “Atomic Flea” scored four goals, assisted one goal, and was simply sensational during the tournament. Argentina lost against Germany in extra time in the final courtesy of a Mario Gotze goal.

Messi’s brilliance at the World Cup earned him five Man of the Match awards in just seven games. His fruitful displays earned him a place in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Team of the Tournament, partnering Thomas Muller in a two-man attack.

In 2014, Lionel Messi played a total of 14 matches, two of which came from the bench. The right-winger had eight goals and four assists to his credit in 2014. A favorable result in the FIFA World Cup final would have made the year even more memorable.

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#2 2021

Brazil v Argentina: Final - Copa America Brazil 2021

Lionel Messi finally quenched his thirst for a major international trophy in 2021 as he got his hands on Copa America. As expected, the technically gifted player had a significant hand in his nation’s victories. The PSG star scored four times and had five assists under his belt in seven games.

The Argentina skipper scored the joint-most goals alongside Luis Diaz. Messi was adjudged Best Player for his outstanding contributions in Argentina’s triumph. His exploits in Copa America eventually led to him winning his seventh Ballon d’Or.

2021 was a mixed year for Argentina’s record appearance maker. Although he didn’t have a great year at club level, the Copa America trophy made up for it. He scored nine goals and recorded five assists in 2021 with Argentina.

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#1 2012

Lionel Messi at FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala 2012

2012 will go down as Lionel Messi’s most prolific year. The then-Barcelona star was simply unstoppable as he went on to score 91 goals for club and country. Twelve of those strikes came for La Albiceleste, which comfortably made it his most productive year with his nation.

In 12 appearances for Argentina, the ten-time La Liga winner scored 12 goals. Although his one assist was nothing compared to what he produced in other years, Messi’s strikes more than made up for his lack of assists. Messi had a goal-to-game ratio of 1.

He racked up two assists in 2012, one each against Switzerland and Brazil. The forward also scored a brace in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Uruguay. Messi was in a completely different league compared to other players in 2012, which is solidified by his international record.