Buenos Aires, October 7,2026: Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding an emotional farewell to Argentina fans in his final appearance for the former world champions as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium.
The 39-year-old Messi, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, scored his 126th international goal in his record-extending 208th appearance for Argentina before 85,000 supporters.
Messi also assisted veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal, while Nico Paz added Argentina’s second before Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the memorable farewell.
However, the result was secondary to the occasion, as thousands of fans gathered to celebrate the career of the Argentina captain in an event billed as “The Last Tango.”
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told supporters after the match.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you,” he said.
Messi said he had no regrets over his decision to retire from international football, citing the physical and emotional demands of the previous World Cup campaign.
“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment. The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through,” he said.
Before the match, Messi wiped away tears as the team bus made its way through crowds of supporters toward the stadium.
He entered the field alongside his three children, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched from a VIP box.
A giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” above Messi’s famous No. 10 was displayed on the pitch before kickoff as supporters gave him a prolonged ovation.
The emotional scenes continued during the national anthem, which was performed alongside Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana. A banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” was displayed, recalling the banner held by Argentina players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute in tribute to Messi’s shirt number, with the crowd applauding the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star for a full minute.
Messi then crowned his farewell with his 126th international goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
After the final whistle, a drone show illuminated the night sky above the stadium with images of Messi and messages celebrating the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career.
Messi’s international farewell came two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where he left the field in tears following a 1-0 defeat.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi had written at the time.
Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.
Messi, who has previously expressed regret over not pursuing more formal education, said he was proud of the distinction.
Outside the AFA headquarters, fans unfurled a giant Argentine flag featuring Messi with the words “The joy of my life.”
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar also paid tribute to Messi on social media.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” Neymar said.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he has indicated that he could end his playing career earlier than expected.
Messi’s international career included Argentina’s historic triumph at the 2022 World Cup, ending the country’s 36-year wait for a third world title and further cementing his place among Argentina’s football legends.
During his international career, Argentina won one World Cup, finished runners-up twice, in 2014 and 2026, and won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
