Lionel Messi signed off from international football in style, scoring once and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
The October 6 encounter marked the end of Messi’s 21-year career with the Argentina national team. The 39-year-old finished his international journey as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr was in charge of Benin for the farewell fixture.
After a goalless first half, Messi provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi’s opening goal in the 48th minute before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second in the 61st minute.
Messi then converted a penalty in the 71st minute to seal the 3-0 victory and complete a memorable final appearance.
Inter Miami reported that Messi had been “directly involved in each of Argentina’s goals.”
The club also described the encounter as Messi’s “final international appearance” and said he ended the night with “a goal and a pair of assists.”
More than 85,000 supporters watched Messi’s final game at the Monumental as Argentina celebrated the career of one of football’s greatest players.
Speaking after the match, Messi said:
“It’s hard to talk.”
He added:
“There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head.”
Reflecting on his lengthy career with Argentina, Messi said:
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years.”
He also said:
“Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi leaves the national team after winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles, cementing his status as one of Argentina’s most decorated footballers.
The farewell match had been announced by FIFA as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.
In a September 15, 2026 report, FIFA quoted Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia as saying:
“We invited the world’s best player, our national-team icon, our captain Lionel Andres Messi, to have a deserved farewell here in Argentina.”
