Argentine football legend Lionel Messi played his last international match for Argentina on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The event, dubbed "The Last Tango," was attended by over 85,000 fans who came to bid farewell to the 39-year-old football icon. Messi, who announced his international retirement in August 2026, has played 208 matches for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and becoming the country's all-time leading scorer.
Before the match, Messi's image was projected onto buildings around Buenos Aires, and a giant jersey with his number 10 and the word "Gracias" (thank you) was displayed at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, his hometown. As the team's bus passed by the training center named after him, Messi was visibly emotional, and fans lined up along the road to give him a final farewell.
The match against Benin was more than just a game, as it marked the end of an era for Argentine football. Messi entered the field with his three children, and his wife and mother watched from the VIP section. The game was delayed for a minute in the 10th minute to allow fans to applaud Messi, and a drone display was staged after the final whistle, showing an image of Messi and thanking him for his career.
Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in his final international match, finishing the game with a penalty kick that sealed a 3-0 win for Argentina. The goal took his international tally to 126 goals, and he was praised by fans and teammates alike for his contributions to Argentine football.
In an emotional post-match speech, Messi described his international retirement as "the saddest day of my career." He expressed his gratitude to fans and teammates, saying that playing for Argentina was the most beautiful thing that had ever happened to him. Messi also thanked his family and coaches for their support throughout his career.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who had convinced Messi to play one more match, praised his contribution to the team, saying that he had "given everything" to Argentine football. Scaloni described Messi as "a player like no other" and expressed his gratitude for having had the opportunity to coach him.
Tributes to Messi poured in from fellow players, including Brazilian star Neymar, who said that Messi had made him love football more. Teammates Rodrigo De Paul and Angel Di Maria also paid tribute to Messi, describing him as a source of inspiration and a friend. The ceremony marked the end of an era for Argentine football, but Messi's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of players.
Key points
- Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina, scoring a goal and receiving a standing ovation from fans.
- Messi has played 208 matches for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and becoming the country's all-time leading scorer.
- The ceremony, dubbed "The Last Tango," was attended by over 85,000 fans who came to bid farewell to the football icon.