Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with Argentina by scoring his 126th goal for the national team in a 3-0 friendly win against Benin at a sold-out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Playing his final match for the Albiceleste in front of 85,000 spectators, Messi converted a 71st-minute penalty kick and provided two assists to cap an emotional farewell celebration that included fan chants, fireworks, and a pre-match tribute.
Monumental Stadium Celebrates the Captain’s Final Match
Hours before kickoff, the atmosphere inside Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium reflected the significance of the occasion. Fans filled the stands with chants, pyrotechnics, and constant cheers. Stadium officials unfurled a massive light blue and white jersey across the pitch featuring Messi’s iconic number 10 alongside the word “Gracias” printed in large golden letters. As the stadium announcer called the name of the world champion “one last time,” the crowd erupted in an ohrenbetäubend roar.
Earlier in the day, Messi posted a video message to Instagram addressing his supporters. “The moment has come,” Messi said in the video. “This jersey was my dream, my pride, and my life. Thank you for loving me so much, I will miss you.” Television cameras caught the player wiping tears from his face as he stepped off the team bus alongside his wife, children, and mother, who watched the match from a VIP suite.
Three Goals Seal a Fitting Farewell Gala
On the pitch, Argentina controlled the fixture against Benin, turning the friendly into a showcase for their retiring player. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute, heading home following a precise setup from Messi. Nico Paz doubled the lead in the 61st minute, finishing another scoring chance created by the veteran playmaker. Ten minutes later, Messi capped the scoring himself by converting from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, securing a 3-0 victory.
The performance brought an end to an international career that spans more than two decades. Messi finishes his time with the national team as Argentina’s all-time record appearance maker with 208 matches and their leading goalscorer with 126 goals. His career with the Albiceleste included lifting the Copa América in 2021, claiming the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, and winning a second Copa América title in 2024, alongside runner-up finishes at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.
From a Difficult Debut to Record-Breaking Success
Messi’s journey with Argentina began with turbulence on August 17, 2005, in a match against Hungary. After coming on as a substitute, the young forward received a red card from German referee Markus Merk for violent conduct in less than a minute on the pitch. It took years for Messi to secure major silverware with the senior national team, facing heavy scrutiny from Argentine supporters before breaking through with his historic triumphs in the 2020s.
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