Argentina captain Lionel Messi played his final match for the Albiceleste against Benin on Tuesday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, scoring his final goal for the national football team. The match ended in a 3-0 victory for Argentina, with Messi scoring his 126th goal for the team. This farewell match was an emotional evening for Messi, his teammates, and the supporters.
After the match, Messi delivered a final emotional speech, attempting to sing the national anthem but was unable to. Surrounded by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, Lionel Messi was overcome with emotion and had tears in his eyes. The moment matched the emotion, as he experienced his final Argentine national anthem after more than two decades with the national team and over 200 appearances in the Argentina shirt.
On the pitch at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, a giant shirt bearing the number 10 displayed a simple word: “Gracias” (Thank you). In the stands, supporters experienced a bittersweet evening, torn between the sadness of saying goodbye to a player who has meant so much to their lives and the happiness of witnessing the epilogue of his legendary international career. Before kick-off, Messi took time to embrace each of his teammates.
This final appearance for the national team followed a decision announced on August 31st in a poignant message published on his social media accounts. In it, he said he felt “empty”, explaining that the death of his father, Jorge, a few weeks earlier had influenced his decision to turn the page. For Lionel Scaloni’s team, this was the third match since their defeat in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Spain.
At 39, for his definitive farewell, Messi offered some final flashes of his talent: perfect touches, unpredictable bursts of acceleration, and a left foot that remained as valuable as ever on set pieces. Benin held Argentina at bay in the first half before giving way under pressure after the break. Nicolás Otamendi, who also bid farewell to the Albiceleste, headed home a cross from Messi.
The match between Argentina and Benin represented for Messi a book closing on his time with his country, even though his personal story continues in the United States. Messi leaves Argentina with 126 goals, captain during Argentina’s triumphs in the 2021 and 2024 Copa América tournaments, the 2022 Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He also played in two other World Cup finals and helped Argentina win two other titles.
After the match, a display of drones and performances by artists followed one another in tribute to the captain. Despite the cold and the night dragging on, almost no one left the stadium. Messi said, “I don’t want to leave the pitch. All I can tell you is that I love you and that I will miss you. I thank God for making me Argentine. I love you.”
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored his 126th goal for Argentina in his farewell appearance.
- Messi played his final match for Argentina at the age of 39.
- The match was an emotional tribute to Messi, with supporters and teammates showing appreciation for his contributions to the team.
