Argentine football legend Lionel Messi marked a milestone in his illustrious career, playing his last international match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin on October 7, 2026. The match, held at the Estadio Monumental in Argentina, was attended by a packed crowd of 80,000 fans. The highly anticipated match was a celebration of Messi's remarkable career, with tickets selling out just an hour after going on sale on September 25, 2026.
The match got off to a slow start, with Benin holding their own against Argentina in the first half, ending goalless. Despite Messi and his teammates dominating possession, Benin's defense, led by goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, held firm. However, the tide turned in the second half, with Argentina taking the lead through a Nicolás Otamendi goal in the 48th minute.
Messi's influence on the match grew as the game wore on, with Nico Paz scoring the second goal for Argentina in the 62nd minute. Both goals were assisted by Messi, who has now provided 69 assists in his international career. The Argentine team's dominance was further solidified when they were awarded a penalty in the 70th minute, which Messi converted to score his 126th goal for Argentina.
The win marked a fitting end to Messi's international career, which has been marked by numerous accolades, including two Copa América titles, the 2022 World Cup, and the 2005 Under-20 World Cup. Messi has also won the Ballon d'Or a record eight times and has played for top clubs like FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Throughout his 21-year international career, Messi has played 208 matches for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and providing 70 assists. His contributions have been instrumental in Argentina's success, and his legacy will be remembered for generations to come.
The match against Benin was an emotional one for Messi and his teammates, with the Argentine players giving a guard of honor to their legendary captain. The win was a testament to Messi's enduring talent and his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
As Messi bows out of international football, his fans and teammates alike will miss his exceptional skill and leadership on the pitch. However, his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of Argentine footballers, and his achievements will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored and assisted in a 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly match on October 7, 2026.
- Messi has played 208 matches for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and providing 70 assists.
- The match was a celebration of Messi's remarkable career, with tickets selling out quickly and a packed crowd attending the match at the Estadio Monumental.
