Lionel Messi has played his final international match for Argentina, ending a 21-year career with the national team by playing the full 90 minutes in a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
A Decisive Final Display in Buenos Aires
Reported by ara.cat, the fixture finished with a pair of assists and a goal from the veteran forward. After Benin held firm through a scoreless first half, Messi first set up a header for Nicolás Otamendi, then supplied Nicolás Paz. He capped the scoring himself with a penalty kick.
The performance brought his final national team totals to 208 appearances, 126 goals, and 70 assists.
Two Decades from Budapest to Qatar
The match marked the definitive closing chapter for a player whose senior international debut on August 17, 2005, against Hungary in Budapest lasted only minutes before a controversial red card.
Over the subsequent two decades, Messi collected major international honors that eluded him for years. This run culminated in the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and a second Copa América title.
His international career with the Albiceleste also included an Under-20 World Cup title in 2005 and an Olympic gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. This path began in 2004 with an Under-20 friendly match between Argentina and Paraguay in front of just over 500 people, when the Argentine federation called him up to prevent Spain from potentially convincing him to switch allegiance while he was already living in Barcelona.
Streets of Núñez and Tears at the Anthem
Thousands of supporters lined the streets around the Núñez neighborhood ahead of kickoff, staging a national celebration complete with televised tributes and musical performances. Messi had wept on the team bus while arriving at the stadium.
Inside the stadium, manager Lionel Scaloni wept during the national anthem alongside Messi’s family in the VIP box. The match was briefly paused at the 10-minute mark for fireworks and crowd applause.
Benin Squad Presents Awards to Argentine Captain
Benin’s squad participated in pre-match presentations, gathering for photographs with the Argentine captain and presenting commemorative awards before the game.
On the pitch, competitive intensity remained low as both sides played in an exhibition setting. The crowd focused entirely on Messi’s touches and potential scoring opportunities.
Transition to Inter Miami and Club Duty
The Argentine Football Association organized the farewell fixture at the Estadio Monumental following Messi’s decision to step away from international competition at age 39.
While his international retirement closes his career with the national team, he continues to play at club level for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
A Place in the Argentine Pantheon
Messi has secured a place in the pagan pantheon of the Argentine people, standing alongside Carlos Gardel, Evita Perón, and Maradona.
Related reading
