Lionel Messi ended his Argentina international career in memorable fashion as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old scored once and provided two assists during his final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The match brought an emotional end to a 21-year international career that saw Messi become the country’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer.
Messi’s final Argentina appearance had been confirmed ahead of the friendly against Benin. FIFA reported that the game was organised as a farewell for the Argentina captain at the Estadio Monumental.
Former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr was in charge of Benin for the farewell fixture.
Messi Creates Argentina’s First Two Goals
Argentina broke the deadlock after halftime when Nicolás Otamendi converted from a corner in the 48th minute.
Messi played a key role in the opener by delivering the assist from the set piece. He then created Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.
The Inter Miami forward picked out Nico Paz, who finished the move to put Argentina 2-0 ahead.
Messi completed his farewell performance in the 71st minute. He stepped up to take a penalty and calmly converted to give Argentina a 3-0 lead.
FIFA confirmed that Messi scored once and set up two other goals in the victory over Benin.
Messi Ends Argentina Career With 208 Caps
The victory marked the end of one of the longest international careers in Argentina football history.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and spent 21 years representing the national team. He went on to become Argentina’s record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer.
Reuters reported that Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.
His international career also included major tournament success, most notably Argentina’s 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
FIFA noted that Messi’s Argentina journey lasted more than two decades and included the World Cup title alongside other major honours.
Emotional Farewell at Monumental Stadium
More than 85,000 supporters gathered at the Monumental Stadium to witness Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.
The occasion was filled with tributes before, during and after the match. Messi was visibly emotional as he prepared to wear the Argentina shirt for the final time.
After the game, Messi reflected on what representing Argentina had meant to him.
“It’s hard to talk,” Reuters quoted Messi as saying after the match. He also spoke about the pride he felt from wearing the national team shirt for more than 20 years.
FIFA also reported that Messi struggled to contain his emotions during the national anthem and later delivered an emotional farewell message to the supporters.
Rohr Faces Messi Again After 2018 World Cup
The Argentina-Benin friendly also reunited Gernot Rohr with Messi eight years after their previous encounter.
Rohr was Nigeria’s head coach when the Super Eagles faced Argentina at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
This time, however, Rohr stood on the opposite side as the Benin coach during Messi’s farewell match.
The Benin coach had earlier described the occasion as a major honour for him and his team. Reuters had also reported before the match that Rohr recognised the significance of being involved in Messi’s final Argentina appearance.
Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou had also insisted before the game that his team would approach the fixture competitively.
Dandjinou said Benin were in Argentina to play football rather than simply participate in Messi’s farewell celebration.
Messi Leaves Argentina on a High
Argentina’s 3-0 victory gave Messi the kind of final international appearance that few players could script.
He contributed directly to all three goals, assisting Otamendi and Paz before scoring the third himself. FIFA described the performance as a fitting end to his extraordinary Argentina career.
Messi leaves the national team after 208 appearances and 126 goals. His final night also provided Argentina supporters with one last opportunity to watch their captain create, score and lead the team on home soil.
The 3-0 victory over Benin therefore closed a remarkable chapter in Argentine football, with Messi ending his international career as the country’s most-capped player and record goalscorer.
