Lionel Messi ended his remarkable Argentina international career in spectacular fashion, scoring a goal and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
The farewell match marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina after a 21-year international career that saw him become the country’s most-capped player and record goalscorer.
In front of more than 85,000 supporters, Messi was directly involved in all three of Argentina’s goals.
He delivered the corner that led to Nicolás Otamendi opening the scoring in the 48th minute before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.
Messi then completed the scoring himself in the 71st minute, converting a penalty to bring his international goals tally to 126.
The occasion was about far more than the result. The Monumental was filled with tributes to the Argentina captain, with the match briefly paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation in honour of Messi’s famous No. 10 shirt.
The emotional atmosphere continued before and after the match, with Messi appearing visibly moved during the national anthem and later embracing teammates and opponents at the final whistle.
A drone display illuminated the sky after the match as supporters celebrated the career of a player who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima.
Messi leaves the national team with 208 appearances and 126 goals, both records for Argentina. He also departs as one of the most decorated players in the country’s history after finally ending years of disappointment on the international stage with major tournament success.
The 39-year-old had announced his decision to retire from international football in August, bringing an end to an extraordinary chapter that began with his Argentina debut in 2005.
Speaking to the crowd after the match, Messi reflected on the significance of representing Argentina for more than two decades and thanked supporters for their enduring backing.
His departure does not mark the end of his playing career altogether. Messi is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami, but his time wearing the famous blue-and-white Argentina shirt has now come to an emotional close.
For Argentina, it was a farewell to the player who carried the expectations of an entire football nation for more than two decades. And fittingly, Messi signed off the same way he had so often delivered for his country — with a goal, assists and another victory.
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