#5 2008 Summer Olympics
Lionel Messi pitched in with match-winning performances, as he scored the first goal and assisted the second in a 2-1 victory over Netherlands in the quarterfinals at the 2008 Summer Olympics.
He also assisted the only goal in the final against Nigeria to clinch the Olympic gold medal. Unfortunately, this was the only major honour the five-time Ballon d’Or winner could accomplish with his national team.
#7 2010 FIFA World Cup
Coached by Argentine legend Diego Maradona, Argentina were title contenders in the 2010 World Cup despite their poor qualifying campaign. Argentina qualified to the knockout stages as group leaders and defeated Mexico 3-1 in the Round of 16 fixture, with Messi assisting the first goal.
However, Germany exploited their weak link in defence and eliminated Argentina as they were beaten 4-0 in the quarter-finals.
Messi failed to score throughout the campaign and his international career hit rock bottom.
#8 2011 Copa America
Messi had scored 53 goals for his club Barcelona during the 2010-11 season. Entering into Copa America, Messi had failed to score for his national team in an official match since March 2009.
His goal drought continued and Argentina’s first two fixtures ended in a draw and Messi failed to perform to his potential. However, in the crucial next fixture, he assisted two goals in a 3-0 victory over Costa Rica.
Argentina were eventually eliminated on penalties by Uruguay, who went on to win the tournament.
#9 First international hat trick
Messi broke his international goal drought with a goal against Chile in a World Cup Qualifier.
Shortly later, Messi scored his first international hat-trick in his 68th appearance. He scored his treble against Switzerland in an international friendly, in what was a 3-1 victory to Argentina.
#10 25 international goals in style
Messi reached the 25 goal mark in style by scoring a hat-trick against Brazil in an international friendly. He achieved this feat in 70 appearances.
