The Messi Argentina farewell ended a remarkable 21-year international career as he scored once and assisted twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin.
BUENOS AIRES: The Messi Argentina farewell delivered one final memorable performance as Lionel Messi scored and created two more goals in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, 2026.
More than 85,000 supporters filled the stadium as the 39-year-old brought his record-breaking international career to an emotional close after 208 appearances.
How Messi marked his final Argentina appearance
Messi was involved in all three goals on a night designed as a celebration of his career.
He provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi’s opener before helping set up Nico Paz. Messi then scored from the penalty spot in the second half, registering his 126th and final international goal.
The performance meant Argentina’s captain finished his international career as the country’s record appearance-maker and all-time leading scorer.
An emotional goodbye in Buenos Aires
The Messi Argentina farewell was about far more than the result.
Supporters packed the Monumental for an evening filled with tributes, fireworks, music and emotional messages celebrating more than two decades of memories in the famous blue and white shirt.
Messi was visibly moved during the ceremony and spoke of his pride in representing Argentina. Reuters reported that he left international football feeling at peace after giving everything to the national team.
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A career transformed by major trophies
Messi’s international journey was not always straightforward.
For years, comparisons with Diego Maradona and repeated near misses at major tournaments created enormous pressure around his Argentina career. That story changed dramatically after he helped the country win the Copa América in 2021.
Argentina then lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar before winning another Copa América in 2024, completing a remarkable late-career run of international success.
His final Argentina numbers
Messi retires from international football with 208 appearances and 126 goals, both national records.
His career also included 68 assists before the farewell match, alongside six World Cup appearances and a collection of major international honours that established him as one of the defining players of Argentina’s football history.
What comes next for Messi
The Messi Argentina farewell closes his international chapter, but not his playing career.
Messi is expected to continue at club level with Inter Miami, where his contract runs beyond his Argentina retirement. His departure from the national team now shifts attention towards Argentina’s next generation as the team begins life without its long-time captain.
Impact to expect
Messi’s retirement marks a major transition for Argentina. The national team must now adapt without its record scorer and creative leader, while younger players take greater responsibility ahead of future international competitions.
