Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to a close with a goal and two assists as the world champions beat Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell match in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old made his 208th and final international appearance in front of a sell-out crowd of around 85,000 at the Monumental, converting a second-half penalty and helping create Argentina’s other two goals.
It was Messi’s first appearance for the national team since the death of his father, Jorge, aged 68 after a long illness. The occasion became increasingly emotional after the final whistle, with several Argentina players visibly moved as their captain addressed supporters.
Messi remained on the pitch for the full 90 minutes before post-match celebrations included a laser show, live music and a series of presentations marking the end of his international career.
He had announced in August that he would retire from international football, saying the decision was painful but that he believed the moment had arrived. Messi later revealed he had written his retirement statement on 21 July, two days after Argentina were beaten by Spain in the World Cup final.
His final appearance completed an international career that began in 2005 in unusual circumstances. Messi came on as a substitute against Hungary but was sent off less than a minute later after catching defender Vilmos Vanczak with his arm.
That difficult introduction was followed by more than two decades at the heart of the Argentina team.
Messi went on to win the World Cup and two Copa America titles, establishing himself as one of the most successful players in international football history. He finishes with 126 goals for Argentina, placing him second on the all-time men’s international scoring list behind Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 146.
He also scored 21 goals at World Cups, leaving him second on the tournament’s all-time scoring list behind France striker Kylian Mbappe on 22.
Messi used his farewell speech to reflect on the significance of representing Argentina and the effort required to continue through difficult periods during his career. He said leaving the national team would be painful after spending roughly 20 years competing for his country.
He also reflected on Argentina’s recent World Cup campaigns, particularly the triumph in 2022 that ended the country’s long wait for another global title.
Argentina came close to defending that crown this summer but were beaten by Spain in the final. Messi indicated that the tournament had taken a major physical and emotional toll on the squad, including a demanding match against England during their run to the final.
After years of defeats, criticism and near misses before eventually lifting international football’s biggest trophies, Messi leaves the national team having completed virtually every major objective available to him.
His final night in an Argentina shirt ended fittingly: another victory, another goal contribution and a long farewell in front of a packed home crowd.