Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to an emotional close by scoring in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old converted a second-half penalty in what was his 208th and final appearance for Argentina, taking his international goal tally to 126. Messi also contributed two assists, setting up Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz as Argentina comfortably defeated Benin in front of a sell-out crowd at the Monumental Stadium.
The forward had announced his international retirement in August and played the full 90 minutes before an emotional farewell ceremony began. An estimated 85,000 supporters stayed behind for a celebration featuring a laser light show, live music and tributes to the Argentina captain. Messi also addressed the crowd for almost 10 minutes, admitting that he did not want to leave the pitch. Several of his teammates were visibly emotional, with Manchester City midfielder Enzo Fernandez among those seen in tears.
Messi’s emotions were evident throughout the evening. The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star was filmed wiping away tears on the team bus before the match and appeared moved again during Argentina’s national anthem.The farewell began even before kick-off. A spectacular fireworks display welcomed the players onto the pitch, while a giant Argentina shirt bearing Messi’s iconic number 10 and the word “gracias” was displayed across the field.
Ten minutes into the match, play was briefly stopped for another fireworks display and a standing ovation for Messi. Every Benin player also took the opportunity to shake hands with the Argentina star. Once the celebrations ended, Messi remained central to Argentina’s attacking play.
He saw two free-kicks saved, missed two opportunities from inside the six-yard box and struck the post late in the match. Despite those missed chances, his penalty ensured he ended his international career on the scoresheet.
Messi’s international career now closes with a World Cup title, two Copa America triumphs and a record 126 goals for Argentina. His playing career will continue at club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where he is contracted through the end of the 2028 season.
