Lionel Messi ended a 22-year international career on Tuesday night by playing all 90 minutes in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental, closing a chapter that spanned 208 appearances and a record of 125 goals for Argentina.
Fans Cheer Messi in Emotional Final Appearance
Spectators filled the stadium with cheers and applause for an event dubbed “El último tango.” Before kickoff, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the number 10 and the word “Gracias” was unfurled across the pitch. Messi appeared visibly moved during the national anthem, shedding tears while teammates stood alongside him behind a banner reading “Las Malvinas son argentinas.”
Tributes From Around the World
Tributes arrived from former teammates, including Neymar, who posted on X that the entire world thanks the forward for what he brought to the sport.
The Penalty Strike That Sealed Goal Number 126
The match itself saw Benin offer defensive resistance through the first half before Argentina broke through after the break. At the 26th minute of the second half, Messi converted a penalty kick to score his 126th international goal, celebrating alongside teammates who rushed to embrace him. Head coach Lionel Scaloni deployed Messi for the full duration of the match.
Addressing the 2026 World Cup and Rejecting Rumors
The farewell arrived two and a half months after Argentina fell to Spain in the final of the 2026 World Cup in New Jersey, a match where Messi left the pitch in tears. The forward dismissed widespread internet speculation regarding off-field turmoil or unusual events surrounding that defeat. “El último Mundial estuvimos cerquita. No pasó nada raro, es la realidad, como se dice,” Messi said, explaining that a punishing match against England left the squad physically and emotionally exhausted. Scaloni echoed those remarks, noting that Spain simply played better and that the squad reached the final on depleted legs.
Messi Reflects on Father and Passes Captaincy
Addressing the crowd in an emotional post-match speech, Messi reflected on his journey and the recent loss of his father. “Es difícil decir algo hoy. Hay muchas emociones, se me cruzan muchas cosas. En lo primero que pienso es en mi viejo,” Messi said, fighting back tears. With his international career concluded, the captain’s armband passes to Cristian Romero. Scaloni told reporters that the number 10 shirt will be held in abeyance temporarily, noting that “Hasta el partido de Leo, no le daremos el número 10 a nadie,” and that after that, they will see. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028.
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