Lionel Messi's international career included a perfect record at River Plate's Monumental, never once losing with Argentina at the historic venue. Lionel Messi closes his international career with a perfect record at one particular venue, having never lost a match with Argentina at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental. The stat resurfaced this week as clubs and fans across Argentine football paid tribute to Messi following his retirement announcement from the national team, with River among those honoring his legacy. Across 28 appearances at the Monumental, spanning two decades of World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, Messi finished with 22 wins and six draws, never once suffering a defeat on that ground. He also found the net 19 times in that stretch, further cementing the Monumental as one of the most fruitful stages of his international career. The gesture reflected the broader wave of tributes that followed Messi’s retirement letter, in which he described the decision as one that “hurt and still hurts the soul,” while thanking teammates, coaches and fans for two decades of shared history with the Albiceleste. 🏟️ Una historia 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗮 en el Monumental: 28 partidos, 19 goles, 22 victorias y 6 empates.Gracias por tu magia en casa, Leo 🇦🇷🐐 pic.twitter.com/kjRbmBk4kI— River Plate (@RiverPlate) August 31, 2026 Every Messi match with Argentina at the Monumental DateResultCompetitionOct 9, 2005Argentina 2-0 PeruWorld Cup QualifiersOct 13, 2007Argentina 2-0 ChileWorld Cup QualifiersNov 17, 2007Argentina 3-0 BoliviaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 15, 2008Argentina 1-1 EcuadorWorld Cup QualifiersSep 4, 2008Argentina 1-1 ParaguayWorld Cup QualifiersOct 11, 2008Argentina 2-1 UruguayWorld Cup QualifiersMar 28, 2009Argentina 4-0 VenezuelaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 6, 2009Argentina 1-0 ColombiaWorld Cup QualifiersOct 10, 2009Argentina 2-1 PeruWorld Cup QualifiersSep 7, 2010Argentina 4-1 SpainFriendlyJun 20, 2011Argentina 4-0 AlbaniaFriendlyOct 7, 2011Argentina 4-1 ChileWorld Cup QualifiersNov 11, 2011Argentina 1-1 BoliviaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 2, 2012Argentina 4-0 EcuadorWorld Cup QualifiersMar 22, 2013Argentina 3-0 VenezuelaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 7, 2013Argentina 0-0 ColombiaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 4, 2014Argentina 3-0 Trinidad and TobagoFriendlyMar 24, 2017Argentina 1-0 ChileWorld Cup QualifiersSep 6, 2017Argentina 1-1 VenezuelaWorld Cup QualifiersSep 9, 2021Argentina 3-0 BoliviaWorld Cup QualifiersOct 10, 2021Argentina 3-0 UruguayWorld Cup QualifiersMar 23, 2023Argentina 2-0 PanamaFriendlySep 7, 2023Argentina 1-0 EcuadorWorld Cup QualifiersOct 12, 2023Argentina 1-0 ParaguayWorld Cup QualifiersOct 10, 2024Argentina 1-1 VenezuelaWorld Cup QualifiersOct 15, 2024Argentina 6-0 BoliviaWorld Cup QualifiersJun 10, 2025Argentina 1-1 ColombiaWorld Cup QualifiersSep 4, 2025Argentina 3-0 VenezuelaWorld Cup Qualifiers Messi’s trophy haul with Argentina Messi’s international career with Argentina was defined not just by numbers, but by six major titles across youth and senior level. He won the U-20 World Cup in 2005 and Olympic gold at the 2008 Beijing Games with Argentina’s youth sides, laying the foundation for what was to come with the senior national team. As an adult, he added four more to that tally: the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa America. Those six trophies, combined with his unbeaten record at the Monumental, round out a legacy that stands as the most decorated in Argentine football history.
The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Cristiano Ronaldo could soon have another experienced name alongside him at Al-Nassr, with Nahitan Nandez emerging as a surprise target in a developing Saudi Pro League transfer story. The situation has taken an intriguing turn in recent days, with discussions between two league rivals potentially opening the door to a move that could reshape both squads. Nandez has been linked with Al-Nassr throughout the transfer window, although earlier attempts to bring the Uruguayan to Riyadh failed to produce an agreement. Now, fresh reports suggest the midfielder’s situation at Al-Qadsiah has changed considerably, giving Al-Nassr renewed hope of completing a deal. According to reports from Thmanyah, Al-Nassr and Al-Qadsiah are discussing a potential player swap involving Nandez. The proposal would see the 30-year-old move to the Riyadh outfit, with an unnamed player potentially heading in the opposite direction. The idea is still at the discussion stage, meaning there is no official agreement between the two clubs. However, the possibility of a swap could provide an alternative solution after the Saudi champion previously saw its approach for the Uruguay international rejected. Nandez joined Al-Qadsiah from Cagliari in July 2024 on a free transfer and signed a contract running until June 2027. His versatility has made him an attractive option, as he can operate in central midfield, on the right side or at right-back while offering considerable energy and defensive discipline. Nandez’s stance could change the picture The biggest development surrounding the potential transfer concerns Nandez’s own position on a move to Al-Nassr. According to 365Scores Arabic, the midfielder is open to joining the Riyadh side and has given his preliminary approval. That stance could give Ange Postecoglou’s side an important advantage if negotiations with Al-Qadsiah progress. The player’s willingness removes one potential obstacle, although the clubs still need to settle the financial and structural details of any transfer or swap. Al-Nassr had previously made an enquiry for Nandez earlier in August, only for Al-Qadsiah to reject the approach. The Saudi club was reportedly offered German midfielder Julian Weigl instead, but that proposal did not lead to a breakthrough. Nahitan Nandez of Al Qadsiah in action Why Nandez makes sense for Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr For Al-Nassr, Nandez would offer something different from a conventional midfield signing. His ability to cover several positions–central midfielder, right-back, attacking midfielder or winger–combined with his experience in Saudi Arabia and European soccer, could give the squad greater tactical flexibility. The midfielder spent five seasons in Serie A with Cagliari before moving to the Saudi Pro League, meaning he already understands the demands of the competition. His high-energy style and defensive work could also complement a squad built around attacking stars such as Ronaldo. Al-Nassr is continuing to compete for major domestic and continental honors, making squad depth increasingly important. Adding a player who can switch between midfield and defence could give the club another useful option during a demanding campaign.
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