Lionel Messi bade farewell to international football with a goal and two assists, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin in an international friendly at a sold-out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The fixture marked the final chapter of a over 21-year international career for the country’s all-time appearance leader and record goalscorer.
Farewell Scenes at Monumental Stadium
Tens of thousands of fans filled the 85,000-capacity venue in Buenos Aires to capacity for the farewell fixture. Before kickoff, the stadium announcer called the name of the superstar for what was billed as his final international appearance in his home country. Ground staff rolled a giant sky-blue and white jersey across the pitch featuring the number 10 alongside the word “Gracias” written in large golden letters.
Earlier, the player released a statement on social media regarding his departure from the national team. “The moment has come,” the statement read. “This jersey was my dream, my pride, and my life. Thank you for loving me so much, I will miss you.”
Argentina Beats Benin 3-0 in Messi Farewell
On the pitch, Argentina controlled the fixture against Benin, securing a 3-0 win. The home side broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Nicolás Otamendi converted following an assist from Messi. Nico Paz added a second goal in the 61st minute, again set up by Messi.
In the 71st minute, Messi capped his farewell performance by converting a penalty kick to seal the final scoreline at 3-0. The goals brought his record tally for the Albiceleste to 126 in 208 international appearances.
From a Rough Debut to Historic Milestones
The fixture against Benin concludes a national team career that began on August 17, 2005, in a friendly against Hungary. That debut lasted less than a minute before the substitute received a red card from German referee Markus Merk for violent conduct.
It took years for the forward to secure major silverware with the senior national team, a drought that ended with the 2021 Copa América title. That victory preceded a historic run that included the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph in Qatar, another Copa América title in 2024, and runner-up finishes at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.
Club Commitment With Inter Miami
While stepping away from international competition, the forward continues his club career with Inter Miami.
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