Lionel Messi has played his final game for Argentina, scoring a penalty and registering two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old, who announced his international retirement in August, was playing his 208th and final international game. He was visibly moved by the occasion, often seen wiping away tears on the coach’s journey to the ground and during the national anthem. A spectacular firework display and a giant Argentina shirt bearing Messi’s iconic number 10 and the word ‘gracias’ (thank you) were part of the pre-game celebrations.
Messi addressed the crowd with a heartfelt speech spanning nearly 10 minutes, with some of his teammates, including Enzo Fernandez, in tears. He expressed his gratitude and pride, saying he was “grateful, proud and at peace” after his glittering Argentina career. Messi’s father, Jorge, had passed away aged 68 following a long illness, and this was his first game for Argentina since then. The match was a sell-out, with 85,000 fans inside the Monumental stadium.
Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary. Despite being shown a straight red card less than a minute later, he went on to become one of the all-time greats, winning the World Cup and two Copa América titles with Argentina. He is the second-highest goalscorer in World Cup history, with 13 goals, and second for goals in all internationals, behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni praised Messi, saying it’s been a dream come true to coach the best footballer in history. Scaloni was visibly emotional, saying the tears were because many things were going through his head. He added that not seeing Messi anymore will be sad, but he leaves an incredible legacy. Scaloni described the feeling of having Messi on the team as incomparable.
Messi’s teammates and former players paid tribute to him after the game. Rodrigo De Paul said Messi made him grow not only as a footballer but also as a person. Neymar wrote on social media that the world thanks Messi for everything he did for football. Angel di Maria said seeing Messi with happiness and tranquillity makes them all happy.
Messi’s career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, with whom he has a contract that runs to the end of the 2028 season. On a night of celebrations in the Argentine capital, Messi was often seen to be visibly moved by the occasion. Before kick-off, play was brought to a halt for fireworks, another standing ovation for Messi, and handshakes from every Benin player.
Messi reflected on his career, saying he has nothing left to do but thank the Argentina shirt. He added that not coming to Argentina national team games anymore will hurt a lot, but he thinks the time has come for him to retire. Messi expressed his desire to be with the Argentina national team for his entire life, saying playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is.
Key points
- Lionel Messi ends Argentina career with goal and two assists in 3-0 friendly win over Benin
- Messi addresses crowd with heartfelt speech, thanks teammates and fans
- Messi’s career will continue at Inter Miami in Major League Soccer
