Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal, two assists and victory as more than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental to celebrate the country’s greatest footballer.
The 39-year-old, playing his final match in Argentina’s famous blue and white shirt, delivered the performance supporters had hoped for against Benin. He created Nicolas Otamendi’s opening goal with a corner in the 48th minute, set up Nico Paz for a long-range finish 13 minutes later and completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
Messi’s left-footed penalty struck the roof of the net, prompting a huge celebration inside the stadium. He had already gone close several times in the first half, including from inside the six-yard box, while two free-kicks had been saved.
The 3-0 victory gave Argentina the perfect ending to Messi’s international career. He leaves as the country’s record appearance holder and leading scorer, with 208 caps and 126 goals.
After the final whistle, Messi stood in the centre of the pitch to address the supporters. He later described the farewell as one of the most difficult moments of his life and admitted that leaving the Argentina dressing room would hurt. His first match since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68, made the occasion even more emotional.
Messi’s farewell had begun before kick-off. Footage showed him wiping away tears as the team bus travelled through streets lined with supporters. He then walked onto the pitch with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from the VIP area.
A giant Argentina shirt carrying Messi’s number 10 and the word “Gracias” was laid across the pitch. The Benin players also took turns shaking his hand, while the crowd repeatedly chanted his name. The evening became a farewell ceremony as much as a football match.
Messi made his senior debut against Hungary in 2005, coming on as a substitute before being sent off less than a minute later after his arm caught defender Vilmos Vanczak. In the 21 years that followed, he won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2005, Olympic gold in 2008, the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The World Cup triumph allowed him to emulate Argentina’s other iconic number 10, Diego Maradona, after years of criticism, Copa America final defeats and the disappointment of previous tournaments. Messi briefly retired from international football in 2016, but the 2021 Copa America ended Argentina’s long wait for a senior men’s trophy before the 2022 World Cup completed the story.
He announced his decision to retire after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat by Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey. Argentina had entered as defending champions and came close to retaining the trophy, while Messi scored eight goals and provided four assists during the tournament.
He finished his World Cup career with 21 goals across a record-tying six tournaments, second only to Kylian Mbappe’s 22. Messi had written his retirement message on 21 July, two days after the final, before announcing the decision in August.
The defeat had taken a physical and emotional toll, while Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to hide his feelings at Messi’s departure. Scaloni, who once described coaching Messi as a dream, had guided him through the most successful period in the country’s history.
The Monumental was a fitting venue for the farewell. Messi has scored more Argentina goals there than at any other stadium, with 19, and it was where the team returned after winning the 2022 World Cup. Argentina had waited 36 years for another world title, while Messi had waited throughout his career to bring it home.
More than 85,000 farewell tickets sold out within 90 minutes, with some later offered on resale platforms for more than $2,500. Members of the 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning squads attended with their families.
Tributes also came from former team-mates Neymar, Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria. After the match, a drone show over Buenos Aires displayed images from Messi’s career, including the moment he lifted the World Cup in Qatar.
Messi remains with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 MLS season and recently helped the club win the Campeones Cup, his fourth trophy with the MLS side.
Argentina has said goodbye to its number 10, captain and world champion. Messi’s international story ends with 126 goals, 208 appearances, two Copa America titles and one World Cup, but his football career continues.