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Lionel Messi Bids Emotional Farewell to Argentina After 3–0 Win Over Benin
Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career with Argentina to a close on Tuesday, scoring a goal and assisting two others in a 3–0 friendly victory over Benin before more than 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
The match became a farewell celebration for Argentina’s captain, whose final appearance had been announced earlier. Messi set up goals for Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz before scoring Argentina’s third from the penalty spot. The goal was his 126th for the national team.
The evening carried significance beyond the scoreline. Fans filled the stadium to pay tribute, while Argentina’s football federation and former players joined the celebration. After the final whistle, Messi embraced teammates and opponents as supporters applauded him. He leaves the national team as Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record scorer.
Messi’s international career included years of intense expectation, setbacks and criticism, followed by a historic run of success. He helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, turning his relationship with many supporters into one of national pride. His departure closes a defining chapter for the team and its fans.
The farewell marks the end of Messi’s international career with Argentina; it does not mean he is retiring from club football. The Associated Press reported that he was expected to continue playing for Inter Miami.