Lionel Messi bids farewell to Argentina after 21-year international career
In his final appearance for Argentina, Lionel Messi scored his 126th international goal and provided two assists in a 3-0 win against Benin at Estadio Monumental, bringing an emotional end to a legendary 21-year career with the national team
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Lionel Messi officially brought down the curtain on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, bidding an emotional farewell to 85,000 supporters at Estadio Monumental as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an exhibition match billed as "The Last Tango".
How did Lionel Messi perform in his final international match for Argentina?
The 39-year-old captain delivered a standout performance in his 208th and final appearance for the national team, directly setting up both opening goals before converting a penalty in the 71st minute to cap off his record-extending 126th international goal. Messi assisted veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi for the opening header early in the second half and set up Nico Paz for a curling strike before scoring from the spot himself. The stadium paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation to honor his iconic shirt number, while a drone light show over the arena paid tribute to his career after the final whistle.
Addressing the crowd after the match, Messi expressed immense pride in defending the national jersey for over two decades, admitting that stepping away would be deeply painful while confirming that the physical toll of recent international campaigns helped signal that the time had come to step aside for the next generation of Argentine talent.
What legacy does Lionel Messi leave behind in international football?
Messi's international retirement concludes one of the most decorated careers in global sports history, spanning 21 years from his senior debut in 2005 through his final appearance in late 2026. Before kick-off, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters in recognition of his contributions to the nation.
Throughout his international career, Messi led Argentina to landmark achievements, highlighted by winning the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima, and crowning his career by lifting the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He also guided Argentina to World Cup final appearances in 2014 and 2026. Messi will continue competing at the club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, where his current contract runs through 2028.
Tributes poured in globally from former teammates, sports icons, and international football associations honoring his contribution to the sport.
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