Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal, two assists and one final victory for Argentina. The Lionel Messi final Argentina game ended in a 3-0 win over Benin on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The farewell closed a 21-year national team career for the 39-year-old captain. Messi leaves Argentina as its record holder for appearances, goals and assists.
Messi Leads Argentina in Farewell Victory
Argentina struggled to score during the opening half of the friendly. However, Messi soon took control of the match after halftime.
In the 48th minute, he delivered a corner kick that Nicolás Otamendi converted for Argentina’s opening goal. Messi then assisted Nico Paz in the 61st minute.
The captain completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. His goal produced another celebration from the more than 85,000 fans inside the Monumental.
Messi participated directly in all three goals during his final international appearance, according to Inter Miami CF.
Argentina wore a commemorative uniform for the occasion. Organizers promoted the match as “The Last Tango,” and tickets reportedly sold out within 90 minutes.
Former players from Argentina’s 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup championship teams attended the farewell.
Lionel Messi Final Argentina Game Ends Historic Career
Messi finishes his Argentina career with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 70 assists. All three figures are national records.
His international career began against Hungary in August 2005. That debut ended after Messi received a red card shortly after entering the match.
Over the following two decades, he became Argentina’s captain and most accomplished player. His international titles include the 2021 and 2024 Copa América championships, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Messi also appeared in nine international finals. His 34 World Cup appearances are the most by any player, according to Inter Miami.
The road to those achievements included several difficult defeats. Argentina lost the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa América finals in 2015 and 2016.
Messi briefly stepped away from the national team following the 2016 defeat. He later returned and guided Argentina through the most successful period of his international career.
An Emotional Farewell in Buenos Aires
Messi entered the stadium with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. He appeared emotional during the national anthem and again after the final whistle.
His teammates gathered around him as supporters continued singing his name. A midfield display honored him as Argentina’s “Eternal Captain.”
In his farewell speech, Messi thanked his family, teammates and supporters. He said representing Argentina was the greatest experience of his life, according to the Argentine Football Association.
Messi also encouraged fans to continue supporting the national team during its transition. He acknowledged that difficult periods could follow such a major change.
The farewell came after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain. Messi announced his international retirement several weeks later.
Messi Will Continue Playing for Inter Miami
The match ended Messi’s career with Argentina, but it did not mark his retirement from club soccer. He will return to South Florida and continue playing for Inter Miami.
His contract with the Major League Soccer club runs through the 2028 season.
Messi’s continued presence in MLS remains significant for soccer supporters across Texas and the United States. However, his final Argentina appearance closed one of the most successful chapters in international soccer history.