Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on one of football’s greatest international careers with a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
More than 85,000 supporters filled the stadium for Messi’s 208th and final appearance for Argentina, turning the friendly into a celebration of the captain who had represented his country for more than two decades.
Giant No. 10 and ‘Gracias’ Message Welcome Messi
The tributes began even before kick-off.
A giant Argentina No. 10 shirt carrying the word “Gracias” was displayed as supporters dressed in blue and white filled the Monumental.
Messi walked onto the pitch accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro. The occasion quickly became emotional, with the Argentina captain visibly in tears during the national anthem. Head coach Lionel Scaloni was also overcome by emotion.
Messi’s former Argentina teammate Angel Di Maria was among those present for the farewell, while the stadium erupted in applause when Messi took the field.
Match Stops in 10th Minute for Special Tribute
Every touch from Messi was greeted with noise from the crowd, but the first organised tribute came in the 10th minute — a reference to the shirt number synonymous with his Argentina career.
Play was briefly paused as more than 85,000 supporters stood to applaud their captain, with fireworks accompanying the tribute.
Messi had already tested the Benin goalkeeper from outside the penalty area as Argentina attempted to take early control.
However, despite dominating possession, the hosts were unable to find a breakthrough before half-time.
Messi Sets Up Otamendi for Opening Goal
Argentina finally broke the deadlock after the restart, and fittingly Messi was at the heart of the move.
The captain delivered the ball into the penalty area for Nicolas Otamendi, who finished to give Argentina the lead.
It was also a significant night for Otamendi, who was making his final appearance for the national team.
The veteran defender was substituted shortly afterwards, receiving his own farewell from teammates and supporters.
Nico Paz Doubles Argentina’s Lead
Argentina continued to push forward, with Messi repeatedly dropping into space and creating opportunities.
The second goal came through Nico Paz, one of the younger players expected to play a major role in Argentina’s next generation.
Messi supplied the assist before Paz cut inside and curled a fine finish into the net to make it 2-0.
The moment carried added symbolism: one of Argentina’s emerging stars scoring after being set up by the player whose No. 10 shirt has defined the national side for so long.
Messi Gets His Farewell Goal
The moment almost everyone inside the Monumental had been waiting for arrived in the second half.
Argentina were awarded a penalty and there was never any doubt over who would take it.
Messi stepped forward and fired the spot-kick beyond the goalkeeper to score the 126th international goal of his career.
His teammates immediately surrounded him as the stadium erupted once again.
It was Messi’s final goal in Argentina colours and completed a fitting personal contribution: one goal and two assists.
One Last Search for Magic
Even after scoring, Messi continued playing with the same competitive intensity that has characterised his career.
He kept looking for another goal, creating chances and combining with teammates as Argentina pushed for more.
He had opportunities to add a second, including one effort that struck the post after taking a deflection.
In the closing moments, Argentina won a free-kick from a dangerous position. Thousands of phones appeared around the stadium as supporters waited for one final trademark Messi set-piece.
The shot, however, went over the target.
There would be no final free-kick masterpiece — but by then the night already had its perfect farewell.
208 Games, 126 Goals and 21 Years With Argentina
The final whistle confirmed the end of Messi’s 21-year senior international career.
He leaves Argentina as the country’s most-capped player and all-time leading goalscorer, with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
His international career included the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima.
The trophies ultimately transformed a complicated relationship between Messi and the Argentine public into one of extraordinary affection.
Monumental Says Goodbye to Its No. 10
The evening ended with fireworks, songs and tributes as supporters remained inside the stadium to celebrate Messi one final time.
There was no need for another dramatic winner or spectacular free-kick.
Messi had walked onto the Monumental with his children, fought back tears during the anthem, created two goals and scored one himself before continuing to chase another until the final whistle.
For more than two decades, Argentina had looked to Lionel Messi with expectation.
On his final night in the national shirt, the message was much simpler:
Gracias, Leo.
