Lionel Messi brought his legendary international career to an end in sublime fashion, scoring a penalty and creating two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old icon capped his 208th and final appearance for La Albiceleste by converting his 126th international goal. An 85,000-strong sell-out crowd honored the 2022 World Cup-winning captain with pre-match pyrotechnics, special tifo displays, and an emotional post-match presentation ceremony.
Lionel Messi produced a masterclass in his 208th and final international appearance for Argentina, scoring a goal and creating two assists to lead his country to a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday night. Playing the full 90 minutes before an emotional crowd of 85,000 supporters, the 39-year-old captain orchestrated second-half goals for Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a 71st-minute penalty to seal the win.
The tribute match, billed across the nation as “The Last Tango,” brought down the curtain on Messi’s remarkable 21-year international career, leaving fans and teammates in tears as Argentina celebrated its greatest footballing son. The match was a testament to Messi's enduring legacy, with the Argentine team dominating possession from the outset. However, a disciplined Benin backline managed to hold the world champions to a goalless deadlock through the opening 45 minutes.
The breakthrough arrived three minutes after the restart. Standing over a corner kick, Messi delivered a precise cross into the penalty area for veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi—who was also making his final national team appearance—to head home the opening goal. In the 61st minute, Messi turned provider once more, sliding an unselfish pass across the box for substitute Nico Paz to double the advantage.
The defining moment of the evening arrived in the 71st minute when Argentina was awarded a penalty. Step up the captain: Messi calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to record his 126th goal for Argentina, prompting wild celebrations across the stadium. As the final whistle blew, the stadium transformed into a stage for light shows, musical performances, and speeches.
Visibly moved throughout the night, Messi addressed the crowd in a ten-minute speech, thanking the nation for their unwavering support across two decades. “I couldn’t have dreamed of a better way to say goodbye to this shirt,” Messi told the weeping crowd. “From the dark times to lifting the World Cup in Qatar, every single moment was worth it. To this country and these fans: thank you for everything.”
Messi leaves the international stage as Argentina’s most decorated, most-capped, and highest-scoring player in history. Having debuted for the senior team in August 2005, his 21-year journey included: 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), 2022 Finalissima crown, and 2008 Beijing Olympic Gold Medal. He accumulated 126 goals and 65 assists in 208 international appearances.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored a penalty and created two assists in his final international appearance for Argentina.
- Messi ended his 21-year international career with 126 goals and 65 assists in 208 appearances.
- The match was attended by an 85,000-strong sell-out crowd at the Estadio Monumental.
