Lionel Messi has officially brought his remarkable international career with Argentina to an emotional close, signing off with a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The farewell match on Tuesday, October 6, marked the end of a 21-year journey with the Argentine national team for the 39-year-old captain. More than 85,000 supporters packed the stadium to witness the final appearance of one of football’s most decorated players.
What began as a friendly match quickly became a national celebration. Argentine fans filled the Monumental with songs and tributes, while landmarks around Buenos Aires were illuminated in the country’s famous sky-blue and-white colours.
Messi was visibly emotional throughout the occasion, particularly after the final whistle, when teammates, opponents and members of the coaching staff gathered around him to mark the end of his international journey.
Messi Produces a Memorable Final Performance
Although the first half ended without a goal, Argentina took control after the interval.
Messi first provided the assist for veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring. He later set up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal before completing the victory himself from the penalty spot.
The penalty was Messi’s 126th international goal and provided a fitting ending to his final match in Argentina colours.
The performance ensured that Messi did not simply receive a farewell from the supporters but also left the pitch having played a decisive role in another Argentina victory.
The night carried additional significance for Otamendi, who has shared four World Cups and 17 years of international football with Messi. The veteran defender was also bringing his own Argentina career to an end.
An Emotional Goodbye
The occasion was filled with tributes before, during and after the match.
Earlier in the day, Messi’s hometown of Rosario unveiled a giant number 10 shirt bearing the word “Gracias” — Spanish for “Thank You” — as supporters prepared to honour the Argentina icon.
Thousands of fans also lined the route as the Argentina team travelled towards the stadium. Messi was seen wiping away tears as he took in the scenes surrounding his final appearance.
Before kick-off, Benin captain Steve Mounié presented Messi with a gift and a letter during the pre-match ceremony, adding another personal moment to an already emotional evening.
After the match, the celebration continued with a drone display and a musical performance from Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole.”
Messi Reflects on His Argentina Journey
Speaking to the crowd after the match, Messi struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on what representing Argentina had meant to him.
He recalled his late father and described his long association with the national team as a source of immense pride.
Messi’s international career had not always been easy. Early in his Argentina journey, he faced criticism from supporters who believed he did not reproduce his Barcelona form with the national team.
That perception eventually changed dramatically.
Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi became the central figure in one of the most successful periods in Argentine football history. He helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup before adding another Copa América title in 2024.
His final chapter now closes with another major achievement: a farewell in front of his home supporters, a victory over Benin and a personal contribution to all three goals.
A Record-Breaking International Career
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped footballer and its leading goalscorer.
His final appearance took his total to 208 matches for the national team, while his goal against Benin moved his international tally to 126.
His journey with Argentina stretched across more than two decades and included multiple generations of players and coaches.
Few players have carried the expectations of an entire football nation for as long as Messi did. His relationship with Argentine supporters also evolved considerably, moving from intense criticism during the early years to widespread admiration after he finally delivered major international trophies.
The 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar represented the defining moment of that transformation.
Argentina Says Goodbye to Its No. 10
With Messi now retired from international football, Argentina faces the difficult task of moving into a new era without its long-time captain and No. 10.
The country already has emerging talents such as Nico Paz who could eventually help shape the next generation of the national team.
But replacing Messi will be about more than finding another talented footballer. His influence extended beyond goals and assists, with the forward becoming a symbol of Argentine football around the world.
For supporters at the Monumental, Tuesday’s match was therefore about much more than a 3-0 victory.
It was an opportunity to say goodbye to a player who spent 21 years representing Argentina and ultimately delivered the trophies that had once seemed beyond reach.
After years of asking Messi to produce another miracle, Argentina’s football fans finally had one simple message for their captain: thank you.
