Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with Argentina with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on October 6.
More than 85,000 supporters attended the match as Argentina bid farewell to its captain and record goalscorer. Messi was involved in all three goals, setting up Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal and Nico Paz for the second before scoring from the penalty spot to complete the 3-0 victory.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires.
Messi scored one goal and provided two assists.
His penalty was his 126th international goal for Argentina.
He made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina.
More than 85,000 fans attended the farewell.
The penalty was Messi's 126th international goal for Argentina.
The appearance was Messi's 208th for Argentina, making him the country's most-capped player. He also finished as Argentina's all-time leading international goalscorer.
Messi's international career, which began in 2005, included Argentina's Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
Messi's final Argentina appearance marked the end of a 21-year international career in which he became the country's most-capped player and leading goalscorer and helped Argentina win major international titles.
The farewell at the Monumental included tributes and celebrations for Messi, with fireworks and a drone show following the final whistle.
