Argentine maestro Lionel Messi has called time on his international career at the age of 39, and for the Super Eagles, his retirement closes a chapter that produced some painful memories, Soccernet.ng<\/a> reports.<\/strong><\/p>\n Messi leaves the Argentine national team after 207 games that saw him contribute 125 goals. He holds the record for both the highest number of appearances and the highest number of goals. Of course, he has silverware to show, having won the Copa America twice and the World Cup in 2022.<\/p>\n Interestingly, he left quite a mark on Nigeria. Or better still, against the Super Eagles. The Argentine superstar faced Nigeria on four occasions during his senior international career. Argentina won all four matches, while Messi scored three goals against Nigeria.<\/p>\n His record against Nigeria is particularly notable because all four meetings came at different stages of his international career, including three World Cup encounters.<\/p>\n Messi\u2019s first senior appearance against Nigeria came at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Argentina defeated the Super Eagles 1-0 in Johannesburg on June 12, 2010, with Gabriel Heinze scoring the only goal of the game. <\/p>\n Messi had the Super Eagles backline on chokehold. If not for Vincent Enyeama’s brilliance in goal, Messi would have left with a hattrick.<\/p>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/thumbor\/HTzU8t8PI9L83LDKo3tvPNRjcqs=\/2500x1667\/smart\/filters:format(webp)\/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.soccernet.ng%2Fmain%2F2026%2F03%2Fimago1020533325.jpg\")
Soccer Messi\u2019s First Meeting With Super Eagles Ended In Victory<\/h2>\n