Lionel Messi closed his Argentina career with a goal as the national team beat Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium.
The 39-year-old captain played his final international match in front of more than 85,000 supporters, ending a 21-year senior career with Argentina.
A final goal in the shirt he made historic
Argentina broke through after halftime and eventually took control of the match. Messi scored the final goal of the night, prompting another celebration across a stadium already filled with tributes, flags and farewell messages.
The Argentine Football Association staged a full ceremony around the match, including music, lights and a drone show. Messi spoke after the final whistle about the meaning of representing his country and thanked supporters and teammates.
He leaves as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with a World Cup title and multiple Copa América trophies defining the late-career transformation of his international legacy.
Sources
- Argentine Football Association, Oct. 6-7, 2026
- Reuters, Oct. 7, 2026
