Messi has brought his remarkable international career with Argentina to an emotional close, delivering a memorable performance in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
The 39-year-old captain scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot and provided assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz as more than 85,000 fans gathered to celebrate his final appearance for the national team.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, ended his international career as the country’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and its record goalscorer with 126 goals.
His career with Argentina included two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, achievements that helped transform his relationship with supporters after years of criticism and disappointment.
After the match, an emotional Messi reflected on his long association with the national team and the significance of representing his country.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years,” he said.
Tributes continued throughout the farewell, with teammates, opponents and fans celebrating his contribution to Argentine football. A drone display lit up the sky after the final whistle, while singer Soledad Pastorutti performed as part of the ceremony.
Messi’s farewell also marked the end of Nicolas Otamendi’s international career. The defender, who shared 17 years with Messi in the Argentina team, scored the opening goal in the match.
Messi leaves the national team after more than two decades at the highest level, having turned years of frustration into a period of sustained success with Argentina.
