Lionel Messi: Top 9 Countries the Inter Miami Star Has Never Scored Against

The Inter Miami star has enjoyed an illustrious career throughout his football journey which officially started at Barcelona.
Lionel Messi has played against a number of countries in his career. However, there are quite a number that he has never scored against. Photo by Clive Brunskill.
Lionel Messi has played against a number of countries in his career. However, there are quite a number that he has never scored against. Photo by Clive Brunskill.
Source: Getty Images

At the international level, the 36-year-old has scored 106 goals since he made his debut for the South American football powerhouse.

Messi, who has earned 180 caps for his country since his debut in 2005, has scored the goals in different competitions, including the World Cup, Copa America, and international friendlies.

This has seen him come up against different countries, who he has ultimately scored against.

However, Planet Football reports there are a number of countries Messi is yet to find the back of against despite playing against them.

9. Hungary

Hungary was the first country Messi played against when he made his senior debut for Argentine.

However, it was one to forget for the forward, as he was sent off just 30 seconds into his bow.

8. Qatar

ced the Middle East country twice, the first in 2005 during an international friendly.

The second time was in 2019 during the Copa America, where Argentina won 2-0, with Sergio Aguero and Lautaro Martinez scoring.

7. Angola

Angola is one of the few African countries that Messi has played against in his career.

This came during a pre-2006 World Cup friendly, with the Inter Miami ace making a 22-minute cameo.

6. Norway

Messi has had a forgettable experience with Norway. He has not only failed to score against them but has also yet to taste victory whenever he faces them.

5. Greece

Argentina has faced Greece twice in the past, with the most recent meeting coming in 2010 during the World Cup. Whereas Messi played in the tie, it was Angel Di Maria’s goal that secured his side the much-needed win.

4. Costa Rica

While Argentina and Costa Rica are in the same region, the two countries have faced off only four times since 2010.

3. Sweden

Messi has played Sweden only once in his career.

The most recent meeting between Sweden and Argentina was in 2013 during a friendly at the Friends Arena.

The match ended 3-2 in favour of Messi’s side, thanks to goals from Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain, and an own goal from Mikael Lustig.

2. Belgium

Surprisingly, Belgium and Argentina have clashed only once in the 21st century. The meeting happened during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

1. Russia

Messi was the captain when Argentina took on Russia in 2017 in Moscow. However, it was Aguero’s goal four minutes from full-time that separated the two teams.