Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi made an emotional farewell appearance for Argentina, scoring a goal and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0.
The 39-year-old, who announced his international retirement at the end of August, scored from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after setting up goals for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz.
The match at the Estadio Monumental was delayed by around 30 minutes, with Messi and Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni visibly emotional during the national anthems.
#AD10S ๐
๐ ๐๐ช๐๐ง๐๐ค ๐๐ฃ ๐ข๐๐จ ๐ค๐๐ค๐จ ๐ฉ๐ช ๐ชฬ๐ก๐ฉ๐๐ข๐ ๐ข๐๐ง๐๐๐
๐๐ ๐ซ๐ค๐ฎ ๐๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ง๐๐ฃ๐๐ค ๐ก๐ ๐ฅ๐ง๐คฬ๐ญ๐๐ข๐ ๐๐ช๐๐๐๐ https://t.co/zKNVwKT3XJโ ๐ฆ๐ท Selecciรณn Argentina โญโญโญ (@Argentina) October 7, 2026
The crowd then paused the match in the 10th minute, honouring Messiโs iconic shirt number with a standing ovation, fireworks and chants.
Messi ends his 20-year international career as Argentinaโs most-capped player and leading goal scorer, with 126 goals in 208 appearances. He made his senior debut in 2005 as an 18-year-old, but was sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute.
During his international career, Messi guided Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022 and helped the team win Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. He also represented the country at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where Argentina won gold.
After taking over as captain in 2011, Messi led Argentina to further World Cup finals in 2014 and 2026, with the team losing to Germany and Spain respectively. The Inter Miami forward had previously announced his retirement from international football in 2016, but reversed the decision weeks later.
Before his farewell match, Messi shared an emotional message with fans, saying, โThe moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream. My pride. And my life. Thank you for loving me so much. I will always carry you with me.”
ALSO READ | Reliance gets court relief over Campa energy drink label
