Gabriel Jesus Brasil arrives as Messi ends Argentina era

Lionel Messi announced his departure from the Argentina national team in a social‑media letter, leaving the Albiceleste with 207 caps, 125 goals and 65 assists. On the same day, Gabriel Jesus Brasil touched down in Barcelona to begin medical tests ahead of his expected signing.

Messi's record and farewell

Lionel Messi's letter confirmed he is leaving the Argentina national team after 207 Jogos, 125 goals and 65 assists, making him the most‑capped and top scorer in Albiceleste history. The Argentine forward also became the first player to lift the Copa América trophy for Argentina in 2021, defeating Brazil 1‑0 in the Maracanã final.

He added a World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022 and a further Copa América title in 2024 to his résumé. In the 2026 World Cup final, Messi guided Argentina to a runner‑up finish, losing to Spain but still being hailed as one of the tournament’s standout performers.

Jesus' historic ties with Argentina

Gabriel Jesus Brasil was a key figure in the 2019 Copa América semi‑final, scoring one of Brazil’s two goals as the Seleção eliminated Argentina 2‑0. He also netted the second goal in the 3‑1 victory over Peru in the final, helping Brazil secure its most recent Copa América crown.

During that tournament Messi endured harsh criticism, with some media dubbing him ‘pouco argentino’ and ‘frio demais’ after Argentina’s exit. The backlash intensified scrutiny of his performances for the Seleção.

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New chapter in Barcelona

On the day Messi announced his farewell, Gabriel Jesus Brasil arrived in Barcelona to undergo medical examinations ahead of his expected signing with the Catalan club. The arrival was documented in a Foto released by Divulgação and credited to Jogada10. Para os leitores, the Foto shows Jesus stepping off the plane, while Os medical reports are being processed by Barcelona staff.

Jesus made his Brazil debut in September 2016 and scored his first senior goal three days later in a 3‑0 World Cup qualifying win over Ecuador in Quito. He has since earned 64 caps, contributed 19 goals and supplied 13 assists for the Seleção.

With 19 goals he ranks as the fourth‑highest scorer for Brazil, behind Neymar, Philippe Coutinho and Richarlison. Jesus also featured in Brazil’s gold‑medal‑winning squad at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where he added three tournament goals.

Ten years after his first international strike, Jesus now seeks to write a new chapter in Barcelona as the club prepares to announce his official transfer. Fans will watch for his debut once the medicals are cleared.