Lionel Messi ended his Argentina journey in an intensely emotional manner in Buenos Aires, converting a penalty during a 3-0 friendly win against Benin. In his 208th and last international appearance, the 39-year-old netted his 126th goal for Argentina after earlier providing assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz.
Messi stayed on the field for the entire 90 minutes before a sold-out crowd of 85,000 at the Monumental transformed the evening into a tribute to his remarkable international career. A laser display, live music, and presentations ensued, while Messi gave a speech lasting nearly 10 minutes and confessed he did not want to leave the pitch.
Lionel Messi brings his Argentina career to a close
The event was evidently tough for Messi, who was spotted drying his tears on the way to the stadium and once more seemed overwhelmed by emotion during the national anthem. Fireworks greeted the teams before kick-off, while a huge Argentina shirt bearing his iconic number 10 and the word ‘gracias’ was unfurled across the field.
The sentiment carried on just 10 minutes into the game, when play paused for another fireworks show and a standing ovation for Messi. Every Benin player likewise took the chance to shake hands with the Argentina captain.
Messi had declared his international retirement in August, stating the choice “hurt” but that “the time has come”. He subsequently disclosed that he had composed his retirement message on 21 July, two days after Argentina’s loss to Spain in the World Cup final.
Regardless of the weight of the occasion, Messi stayed deeply engaged in Argentina’s attack. Two of his free kicks were kept out; he squandered two fine opportunities from inside the six-yard box and later hit the post in the final phases.
Messi’s last international match finishes with a goal
The penalty gave Messi a suitable final contribution for Argentina, lifting his international goal total to 126. His evening might have concluded with an even greater tally, yet the missed chances and late attempt against the post counted for little as the festivities took priority.
Messi earned his Argentina debut in 2005, coming on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a friendly against Hungary. Under a minute later, he was dismissed after swinging his arm and catching full-back Vilmos Vanczak with his elbow.
From that challenging start, Messi went on to cement himself among the finest players in international football. With Argentina, he claimed the World Cup and two Copa America titles.
He also ended second on the World Cup goalscoring list with 21 goals, behind Kylian Mbappe’s 22, while his 125 goals in all internationals put him behind Cristiano Ronaldo’s 146.
Messi’s farewell draws tributes from former teammates
Messi’s present and past team-mates turned to social media to honour him ahead of the farewell match. Neymar, who played alongside him at both Barcelona and Paris St-Germain, said the gratitude went beyond Argentina and commended everything Messi had contributed to football.
Neymar also called playing with Messi an honour, saying their time together had deepened his love for football and enabled them to make history side by side.
Rodrigo De Paul, a close friend and team-mate of Messi at both international and club level, gave him credit for helping him grow as a footballer and as a person. De Paul also called Messi his brother and said he wanted to tell him that he loved him.
Angel di Maria also offered tribute, saying it mattered to see Messi happy and at peace knowing he had given everything he had. “I thank him for life,” the former Argentina international said.
Argentina’s career gives way to Inter Miami’s future
Even though his international career is over, Messi’s playing career will go on with Major League Soccer’s side, Inter Miami. He holds a contract with the club through the conclusion of the 2028 season.
The closing moments at the Monumental were entirely Messi’s and the fans’. Team-mates, among them Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez, were reduced to tears during his farewell speech, while Messi candidly recognised how hard it was for him to step away.
After years of Argentina appearances, major trophies, and unforgettable moments, his final international night merged one last goal with an emotional goodbye before a packed Buenos Aires crowd.