BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi signed off from international football in unforgettable fashion, scoring in his final appearance for Argentina as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at a packed Estadio Monumental.
The 39-year-old brought down the curtain on an extraordinary 21-year international career by scoring Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
It was the 126th international goal of Messi’s career and his 208th appearance for Argentina, adding another landmark to a career that has included two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup.
The night had been billed as Messi’s “last tango”, and the occasion lived up to its emotional billing.
Messi delivers one final goal
For much of the game, it appeared Messi might have to settle for a supporting role on his final night.
The Argentine captain had opportunities earlier but was unable to find the net.
He nevertheless remained central to Argentina’s attacking display.
Messi provided the corner from which Nicolás Otamendi headed Argentina ahead shortly after half-time before setting up Nico Paz for a superb second goal.
Then came the moment the home crowd had been waiting for.
Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute, and Messi stepped forward. The veteran made no mistake, sending his left-footed effort high into the net and triggering a deafening celebration inside the Monumental.
The stadium erupted into chants of “Messi, Messi” as Argentina’s iconic No. 10 celebrated one final international goal on home soil.
A farewell filled with emotion
The emotion had started well before kickoff.
Messi was visibly moved as the Argentina team bus travelled through streets packed with supporters on its way to the stadium.
He later walked onto the pitch accompanied by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, for what would be his final appearance in the famous Argentina shirt.
Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni were both visibly emotional during the national anthem.
The tribute continued into the match. When the clock reached the 10th minute, play paused as supporters inside the Monumental rose to celebrate the player who has worn Argentina’s No. 10 shirt for more than two decades.
Monumental provides the perfect setting
The choice of venue carried considerable significance.
The Monumental is the stadium where Messi has scored more international goals than anywhere else, with 19.
It was also the place where Argentina celebrated their return home after winning the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Reflecting on that occasion, Messi said the reception after the World Cup remained one of the happiest experiences of his career.
That memory was brought back to life after the final whistle when a spectacular drone display above the stadium projected images from Messi’s career, including the iconic image of him lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar.
Messi’s message to Argentina
Addressing the crowd after the match, Messi struggled to hide his emotions as he reflected on what representing Argentina had meant to him.
He spoke of his desire to continue returning to the national team and described playing for Argentina as the greatest privilege of his career.
He also acknowledged the sadness of saying goodbye.
Messi said he would miss wearing Argentina’s colours but promised to remain alongside the next generation as a supporter.
The response from the crowd was immediate, with supporters giving their captain another prolonged ovation.
Scaloni pays tribute to Argentina’s No. 10
Scaloni also acknowledged the enormous challenge of moving forward without Messi.
The Argentina coach said the team could develop a strong new generation, but that Messi’s unique presence would be impossible to replicate.
For Scaloni, coaching Messi had been an extraordinary experience, but Argentina must now begin the next chapter without their long-time captain.
An extraordinary international legacy
Messi leaves Argentina as the country’s record goalscorer and most-capped player.
His international career included an early setback when he briefly retired from international football in 2016.
He later returned to lead Argentina through the most successful period in the country’s recent history.
Messi won the Copa América in 2021, the 2022 World Cup and another Copa América in 2024.
His World Cup triumph in Qatar completed the greatest ambition of his career and placed him alongside Argentina’s legendary Diego Maradona as a World Cup-winning captain.
Messi also scored 21 World Cup goals across a record-equalling six tournaments.
Only Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in men’s international football, while Messi remains the player with the most appearances for Argentina.
A career that changed Argentina football
Messi’s journey with Argentina was not always straightforward.
After losing the 2016 Copa América final, he temporarily stepped away from international football amid the disappointment.
His return ultimately produced the defining chapter of his international career.
From ending Argentina’s long wait for a major trophy at the 2021 Copa América to lifting the World Cup in Qatar and retaining the Copa América crown in 2024, Messi transformed the final phase of his national-team career into a remarkable trophy-winning era.
He also leaves behind an individual record that includes eight Ballon d’Or awards, the most by any footballer.
Messi remembers his father
During his emotional farewell, Messi also reflected on his late father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68.
Jorge had played a major role in his son’s career, including managing his business affairs, and Messi said his father was among those he thought about most during the farewell.
After more than two decades representing Argentina, Messi’s international story has now reached its final chapter.
The tears, the celebrations and the deafening chants at the Monumental provided a fitting send-off for a player whose career with Argentina began in 2005 and ultimately ended with a World Cup, two Copa América titles and a legacy that will be difficult to match
