BUENOS AIRES: Football star Lionel Messi brought down the curtain on his Argentina career in emotional fashion on Tuesday, scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a memorable farewell at the sold-out Estadio Monumental.
The end of an era. 💔🇦🇷
Lionel Messi has bid farewell to Argentina after 21 unforgettable years, closing his international career with a goal and two assists in a 3–0 win over Benin.
From heartbreak to World Cup glory, he gave everything to the Albiceleste.
Thank you, Leo. 🐐🇦🇷 https://t.co/fxBNKR9pgq— Inquisitive S (@InquisitiveS_) October 7, 2026
The 39-year-old captain received a hero’s welcome before kick-off as thousands of supporters chanted his name and celebrated a player who has become synonymous with Argentina’s footballing history.
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Messi contributes to all three goals
Playing the full 90 minutes in what was billed as Argentina’s “last tango”, Messi opened the scoring sequence with a corner that Nicolas Otamendi headed home in the 48th minute.
Look at the performance Messi put against Benin😂. This is supposed to be his last match in an Argentina jersey. He still moves like he got a couple of more years in him https://t.co/XW6XkzxH9O
— R (@FCBR0dney) October 7, 2026
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner then set up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal before completing his emotional farewell with a 70th-minute penalty.
Messi’s strike was his 126th international goal, triggering another huge celebration inside the stadium as fans chanted his name and the veteran forward fought back tears.
🇦🇷💙 MESSI’S EMOTIONAL FAREWELL
After more than two decades in the Argentina shirt, Lionel Messi has reportedly bid an emotional goodbye to international football.
He thanked his teammates, his country and the millions of fans who stood by him through the toughest moments, unforgettable victories and the glory of the World Cup.
His message was simple: stay united, keep supporting Argentina and never stop believing. ❤️🏆
— UPI Janta Party (@upiparty) October 7, 2026
‘The most beautiful thing that can ever happen to you’
After the final whistle, Messi told the emotional crowd that leaving the national team would be painful.
“To not come here anymore is going to hurt a lot,” he said, according to multiple reports.
He added that, if given the choice, he would continue representing Argentina for the rest of his life.
Messi made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005, and went on to become the country’s all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker. He represented Argentina at a record-equalling six World Cups, including the 2022 triumph in Qatar, and scored 21 goals in the competition.
He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career last night, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.
#JoySports
https://t.co/6wmDnL9ove
— #JoySports (@JoySportsGH) October 7, 2026
Family joins Messi for emotional farewell
Messi’s family watched the occasion from the stadium, while his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro joined him on the pitch for the national anthem. His mother and wife were also present in the stands.
The farewell came nearly two months after the death of Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68 following an unspecified illness. Jorge had been closely involved in his son’s career as his agent and business manager.
Messi paid tribute to his late father while thanking supporters and teammates for sharing his extraordinary international journey.
“Now, inevitably, I face the saddest day of my career: saying goodbye to the national team,” Messi told the crowd.
Although his Argentina career has ended, Messi’s playing career will continue. He remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami through the 2028 season.
ARGENTINA HAS GONE CRAZY FOR MESSI 🐐🇦🇷‼️
Buenos Aires has been transformed into a sea of blue and white as thousands of Argentine fans flood the streets ahead of Lionel Messi’s 🐐 farewell friendly against Benin tonight.
From flags and jerseys to chants of “Messi, Messi, Messi!”, the atmosphere is unlike anything seen for an ordinary friendly. Fans are celebrating the final chapter of the captain’s incredible international journey before he steps onto the pitch at the Monumental for the last time in an Argentina shirt.
This isn’t just another football match.
It’s Messi’s 🐐 goodbye 🇦🇷💙🇦🇷
— 🅱🅸🅲🅷⚽️🆈 (@Messi_TheGOAT) October 6, 2026
Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. He won the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022.
Read Also: Messi Unveils ‘Jersey for a Lifetime’ for Final Argentina Farewell
Messi also represented Argentina at a record six World Cups, including the 2026 World Cup, where he made his final appearance in the tournament before ending his international career. He has won a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and continues his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
