Lionel Messi could hardly have written a more fitting final chapter to his Argentina career. On a night designed to celebrate more than two decades of football history, Messi scored a goal and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. It was his final appearance for the national team and the closing moment of a 21-year international career. More than 85,000 supporters packed the stadium to see Argentina's iconic No. 10 wear the national shirt for the final time. Messi responded in familiar fashion — creating chances, setting up teammates and eventually putting his name on the scoresheet himself..
Messi Was Involved in All Three Goals
Argentina's farewell match began without a goal in the first half, but Messi quickly took control after the break. He delivered the corner that led to Nicolás Otamendi's opening goal, before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina's second. Then came the moment the home crowd had been waiting for.
In the 71st minute, Messi converted a penalty to make it 3–0, scoring his 126th international goal and giving the Monumental one final celebration. The performance meant Messi directly contributed to every Argentina goal on his final international night: two assists and one goal..
208 Appearances and 126 Goals
Messi leaves international football holding Argentina's two biggest individual scoring and appearance records. He finished with 208 senior appearances and 126 goals for Argentina, making him both the country's most-capped player and its all-time leading scorer. His international career began in 2005 and stretched across more than two decades, taking him from a teenage prospect to Argentina's most decorated modern football figure. The numbers tell only part of the story..
From Heartbreak to World Champion
Messi's Argentina career was not always filled with celebrations. For years, his international journey was defined by near misses. Argentina reached major finals, but the trophies remained out of reach, and Messi eventually announced his international retirement in 2016 before reversing that decision. The breakthrough finally came at the 2021 Copa América, when Argentina defeated Brazil in the final at the Maracanã. A year later came another major triumph. Messi led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, winning the Golden Ball and producing one of the most memorable individual tournament performances in World Cup history. Argentina defeated France on penalties in the final after a dramatic 3–3 draw. Argentina then added another Copa América title in 2024, giving Messi an international trophy collection that had once seemed impossible for him to complete..
A Final World Cup Chapter Before Saying Goodbye
Messi also represented Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, his sixth appearance at the tournament. He announced his decision to retire from international football after the tournament, bringing an end to a national-team career that had already secured his place among Argentina's greatest footballers. The Argentine Football Association subsequently organised the Benin friendly as a farewell occasion, giving Messi the opportunity to say goodbye to the supporters in Buenos Aires. And the farewell turned into another Messi performance..
The Records Go Beyond Argentina
Messi's international legacy extends well beyond his Argentina numbers. At the World Cup, he finished with records and milestones that underline the extraordinary length of his career. He became the first player to score at a World Cup in his teens, 20s and 30s and holds the record for World Cup appearances with 34. He also registered assists across six different World Cups. His international trophy cabinet now includes the 2022 World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2008 Olympic gold medal..
A Different Argentina Without Messi
Argentina now faces the difficult task of moving into a future without the player who has been at the centre of its attack for so long. There is no direct replacement for a player who leaves with 126 goals, 208 appearances and an extraordinary collection of international records. But Messi's final performance also offered a glimpse of what Argentina must eventually become — a team capable of creating chances and winning without relying on one player to do everything. The next generation will inherit a side that has already learned how to win major tournaments, something Messi and his teammates helped establish during the most successful period of Argentina's recent history..
An Emotional Goodbye
After the final whistle, the mood inside the Monumental shifted from celebration to farewell. Messi appeared visibly emotional as he addressed the supporters and reflected on his time with Argentina. He spoke about his gratitude for the opportunity to wear the national shirt and the importance of the people who supported him throughout his journey. Cristiano Ronaldo also paid tribute to his longtime rival after Messi's farewell, praising the Argentine's achievements and the lasting history he created with his country..
The Final Number 10
Messi's final Argentina appearance ended exactly as many fans would have hoped: with a victory, a goal and another reminder of his ability to influence a match. He leaves international football as Argentina's record appearance holder and record scorer, having transformed his relationship with the national team from years of disappointment into one of the most celebrated football stories of the modern era. The Argentina shirt will continue to exist without Lionel Messi.
But the records, trophies and memories created while wearing it will remain.
One final game. One final goal. Two final assists. And a legacy that will be extraordinarily difficult to match..