|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Lionel Messi has officially played his final match for Argentina, bringing his remarkable international career to an emotional close at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 on October 6, 2026, in a special farewell match for the legendary captain. Messi delivered a memorable performance by scoring one goal and helping create Argentina’s other two goals.
Messi Scores in His Final Argentina Match
Argentina opened the scoring after the break when Nicolás Otamendi found the net in the 48th minute. Messi played a key role in the goal with his delivery.
Nicolás Paz doubled Argentina’s lead in the 61st minute, with Messi again providing the assist.
Messi then completed the scoring in the 71st minute. The Argentina captain converted a penalty to score his final goal in the national team shirt.
The 3-0 victory gave Messi the perfect footballing finish in front of the Argentine fans.
Emotional Farewell for Lionel Messi
More than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental to watch Messi’s final Argentina appearance. The stadium turned the friendly into a celebration of one of the most important careers in Argentine football.
The match also included a special tribute to Messi’s famous No. 10 shirt. The crowd gave him a huge ovation during the game, while Argentina prepared several tributes for the captain.
After the final whistle, Messi shared an emotional farewell with his teammates and supporters.
The Argentine Football Association described the match as Messi’s final appearance in Argentina in front of the home crowd and celebrated his contribution to the national team.
Messi’s Argentina Career Comes to an End
Messi made his Argentina senior-team debut in 2005. Over more than two decades, he became the team’s most-capped player and its leading goalscorer.
His greatest achievement with Argentina came at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when he captained the team to the world title in Qatar.
Messi also helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024 and the Finalissima in 2022.
His international career included six FIFA World Cup appearances and seven Copa América tournaments.
The 2026 World Cup marked his final appearance at the tournament. Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain after extra time.
What Comes Next for Messi?
Messi’s Argentina career has now ended, but his professional football career continues at club level.
The 39-year-old leaves the national team after more than 21 years wearing the famous blue and white shirt. His final Argentina match against Benin gave fans one last chance to watch their captain score, assist and lead the team to victory.
For Argentina supporters, the 3-0 win will remain closely linked with the end of the Messi era.
Lionel Messi’s final Argentina match ended with a goal, two assists and a victory — a fitting farewell for one of the greatest players in the history of international football.
