Lionel Messi will conclude more than two decades representing Argentina on Tuesday evening when the Albiceleste face Benin in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The fixture marks the final chapter of a 21-year international career defined by enduring goalscoring records, and a total of 207 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 assists.
Final Match at the Monumental Against Benin
Tuesday’s friendly fixture at the Estadio Monumental is scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM local time. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has organized a tribute ceremony for the captain, which will feature several former teammates, including Ángel Di María. Lionel Scaloni named Messi to the starting lineup alongside returning squad members Rodrigo De Paul and Giovani Lo Celso, while Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina remain unavailable due to active suspensions.
Surpassing Batistuta and South American Qualifying Marks
Messi departs the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. His 125 goals in 207 matches vastly outpace Gabriel Batistuta, who scored 54 goals, and Sergio Agüero, who finished with 41. In addition to his overall goal tally, Messi established a dominant footprint in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers, netting 36 goals across 72 appearances to double the previous qualifying record held by Hernán Crespo. His assist total of 68 also surpasses Diego Maradona’s previous national record of 26.
Messi Sets World Cup Appearance Records
On the global stage, Messi’s international career spans six FIFA World Cups, from Germany 2006 through the 2026 tournament hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada—a record for tournament participations shared with Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo. Across those six editions, Messi accumulated 34 appearances, breaking the previous tournament record held by Lothar Matthäus. Official tournament records place his total playing time at 3,055 minutes, alongside 27 matches as team captain and 23 tournament victories.
Continental Trophies and Youth Honors
Beyond his World Cup triumphs—highlighted by Argentina’s victory at Qatar 2022—Messi’s resume includes seven Copa América tournaments between Venezuela 2007 and the United States 2024. He holds the record for most appearances in the competition with 39 matches, alongside 25 victories, 18 assists, and 14 goals. His trophy collection with the Albiceleste also features the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima, the Under-20 World Cup in 2005, and an Olympic gold medal won at the 2008 Beijing Games.
What Are Lionel Messi's Final International Records?
What is Lionel Messi’s final record for appearances and goals with Argentina?
Official AFA records show that Lionel Messi concludes his international career with 207 appearances, 125 goals, and 68 asistencias.
Which opponent does Argentina face in Lionel Messi’s final match?
Argentina plays Benin in an international friendly fixture scheduled for Tuesday at 8:00 PM local time at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
How many World Cup tournaments did Lionel Messi play in?
Messi played in six World Cup tournaments, beginning with Germany 2006 and concluding with the 2026 edition, setting records for most matches played (34) and most minutes accumulated (3,055).
More on Lionel Messi
Related reading
