Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to an emotional close on October 6, 2026, scoring once and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The farewell friendly, described in some coverage as “The Last Tango,” celebrated the legendary forward’s extraordinary achievements while marking the end of an international journey that began with his senior debut in 2005.
Around 85,000 supporters gathered to honour the Argentina captain, whose final appearance featured everything that has defined his career: creativity, decisive contributions, record-breaking achievements and an enduring connection with the fans.
Emotional Reception for Messi at the Monumental
Messi’s farewell began before he stepped onto the pitch.
Videos of Argentina’s team bus moving through crowds of supporters circulated online, showing the forward waving through a window as fans gathered around the vehicle.
Inside the stadium, approximately 85,000 spectators watched Messi walk onto the pitch with his children for the national anthems. A giant shirt bearing the word “Gracias” was displayed as part of the celebrations.
Earlier in the day, Messi had received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires at the Argentine Football Association headquarters, adding another significant moment to an occasion dedicated to his achievements.
The atmosphere inside the Monumental reflected both gratitude and sadness, with supporters displaying Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirts and chanting his name throughout the match.
Messi Inspires Argentina to 3-0 Victory
The match remained competitive during the first half, with Benin holding Argentina scoreless despite the hosts’ attacking intentions.
Three minutes after the restart, Messi delivered a corner that Nicolás Otamendi converted with a volley to give Argentina the lead. Otamendi was also playing his final international match, making the opening goal particularly significant for the veteran defender.
Argentina doubled their advantage just past the hour mark when Messi produced a precise pass for substitute Nico Paz, who curled the ball into the net.
Messi then added his name to the scoresheet in the 71st minute, converting a penalty to complete the 3-0 victory.
The goal was his 126th for Argentina and came in his 208th and final international appearance, extending his position at the top of the national team’s all-time scoring and appearance records.
Otamendi’s goal and yellow card also bookended an international career that came to an end on the same emotional evening.
Messi Reflects on the Saddest Day of His Career
After the final whistle, Messi addressed the supporters and described the occasion as the saddest day of his career.
He admitted that the thought of never representing Argentina again would be painful, explaining that he would have preferred to continue playing for his country for the rest of his life.
Messi also spoke about his father, Jorge, who had died two months earlier, before thanking the teammates who helped him fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a world champion in 2022.
“I am thankful to God for being Argentine,” he told the crowd, expressing pride in his nationality and gratitude for achieving the World Cup dream alongside his teammates and supporters.
Former members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad were among those present, with several visibly emotional during the ceremony.
Brazilian star Neymar also paid public tribute to Messi, highlighting that the entire football world not just Argentina owed the forward thanks for his contribution to the game.
Why Messi Decided to Retire From International Football
Messi’s decision to end his international career reportedly followed Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
After the demanding tournament, he said the campaign had taken a heavy toll and that he felt he had nothing left to give at international level.
His departure from the national team does not mean an immediate end to his playing career. Messi is continuing at club level with Inter Miami, where he remains involved in professional football.
Across more than two decades with Argentina, he collected one World Cup and two Copa América titles while establishing himself as the country’s leading goalscorer and most-capped player.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more goals in men’s international football, underlining the extraordinary company Messi occupies in the sport’s history.
For Argentina, his legacy extends beyond statistics. He became the central figure in a generation that finally delivered the World Cup after years of disappointment and helped restore the country’s place at the summit of international football.
A Farewell That Brought an Era to a Close
The celebrations continued long after the final whistle, as supporters held up No. 10 shirts and chanted Messi’s name during the post-match ceremony.
Messi remained on the pitch beyond the formalities, sharing the emotional moment with his family and consoling one of his sons amid the noise.
He also told the audience that he would now join them in supporting the players who would carry Argentina forward.
The farewell brought to a close a journey that began with his senior debut in 2005 and spanned six World Cups, multiple continental campaigns and some of the most memorable moments in Argentine football history.
His final performance against Benin provided a fitting conclusion: a goal, two assists and a victory for the country he represented with distinction for 21 years.
For the thousands inside the Monumental and millions watching around the world, it was more than a friendly match. It was a final opportunity to celebrate Lionel Messi in Argentina’s colours and thank a player whose influence on the national team will endure long after his international career has ended.
Esther Afriyie Kumah is the Digital Media & Operations Manager and a writer at AL Media Sports of AL Media Group. She specializes in sports journalism, covering Premier League, Champions League, La Liga, and African football with in-depth match reports, tactical analysis, player ratings, and expert insights.