Buenos Aires, October 7, 2026: Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career with Argentina in emotional fashion, scoring once and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin at a packed Monumental Stadium. More than 85,000 fans attended the farewell as Argentina celebrated the end of an era.
Messi Ends Argentina Career With Goal and Two Assists
Messi was directly involved in all three goals.
He assisted Nicolas Otamendi for Argentina’s opener, set up Nico Paz for the second and then converted a penalty to complete the 3-0 victory.
Emotional Farewell at Monumental Stadium
The 39-year-old was visibly emotional before and after the match as thousands of supporters paid tribute to him.
Fireworks, banners and a drone show formed part of the farewell celebrations, while fans repeatedly chanted Messi’s name throughout the night.
208 Matches, 126 Goals for Argentina
Messi retires as Argentina’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and the country’s all-time leading scorer with 126 goals.
From Heartbreak to World Cup Glory
Messi’s international journey included years of disappointment before he finally led Argentina to major trophies.
He won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, cementing his place among Argentina’s greatest sporting icons.
Messi Thanks Argentina Fans
After the final whistle, Messi thanked supporters for standing by him through the highs and lows of his international career.
He told the crowd he was proud to be Argentine and acknowledged how difficult it was to say goodbye after more than two decades with the national team.
Nicolas Otamendi Also Bows Out
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi also ended his Argentina international career during the farewell match.
The long-time teammates shared another emotional moment after combining for Argentina’s opening goal.
Argentina Celebrates a Football Legend
Tributes extended beyond the stadium.
In Messi’s hometown of Rosario, a giant No. 10 shirt carrying a “Gracias” message was displayed, while landmarks in Buenos Aires were illuminated in Argentina’s blue and white colours.
End of an Era for Argentina
Messi leaves international football as one of the most successful players in Argentina’s history.
While he is expected to continue playing club football for Inter Miami, his departure from the national team officially closes one of the most significant chapters in modern football.
Source – Reuters, Associated Press
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