Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to an emotional close on Tuesday, receiving a heartfelt farewell from Argentina supporters during his final appearance for the national team in Buenos Aires.
In a fitting finale, the 39-year-old scored his 126th international goal as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in front of 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium.
Messi, making a record-extending 208th appearance for Argentina, also assisted Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal. Nico Paz scored the other goal as Argentina completed a comfortable victory.
However, the result was secondary to an occasion centred on Messi, who was given one final opportunity to savour the adulation of Argentina’s supporters.
Messi bids emotional farewell
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told the crowd after the match.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi said he had no regrets about retiring from international football, however, pointing to the physical and emotional demands of Argentina’s recent World Cup campaign.
He also recalled the difficult circumstances surrounding the tournament, which took place while his late father was seriously ill.
“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment,” Messi said. “The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through.”
The emotional scenes began before kick-off, when Messi was seen wiping away tears as the Argentina team bus travelled through crowds of supporters.
He later walked onto the pitch with his three children, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched from the VIP section.
A giant Argentina shirt bearing the word “Gracias” above Messi’s famous No.10 was displayed on the pitch before the match.
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Argentina fans celebrate Messi’s legacy
The stadium erupted in the 10th minute, a tribute to Messi’s iconic shirt number, as play was stopped for a minute-long ovation.
Messi became emotional again during the national anthem, which was performed alongside Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana.
He eventually capped the occasion with a penalty in the 71st minute, sending the Monumental crowd into further celebration.
After the final whistle, a drone show illuminated the night sky with images of Messi and messages celebrating the career of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi leaves international football after historic career
Messi’s farewell came four years after the defining achievement of his international career, when he captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
That triumph ended Argentina’s 36-year wait for a third World Cup and further established Messi among the country’s greatest football icons.
During his international career, Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and finish as runners-up at the 2014 and 2026 tournaments. He also led the team to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote after announcing his decision.
🇦🇷 | La gran despedida final de Lionel Messi y el adiós a la selección argentina.
“Hoy me toca vivir el día más triste de mi carrera: despedirme de la selección. Ahora me toca acompañar. Los quiero, agradezco a Dios y estoy orgulloso de ser Argentino.” https://t.co/NhZbyH4uTb
— Mia 🍋 (@Mialygosa) October 7, 2026
Messi receives honorary doctorate
Before his final international match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.
Messi, who has previously spoken about regretting that he did not study more, expressed pride at receiving the distinction.
Outside the AFA headquarters, supporters also displayed a huge Argentine flag featuring Messi with the words “The joy of my life.”
Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar paid tribute to Messi on social media.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football,” Neymar wrote. “Thank you for making me love football even more.”
Messi’s club future remains uncertain
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although he has previously indicated that he could retire from football earlier than expected.
His departure from the Argentina national team marks the end of one of the most successful international careers in football history, with Messi leaving behind a record of major trophies, historic goal-scoring numbers and a lasting connection with Argentine supporters.
For Argentina, the farewell marked the closing chapter of Messi’s long journey with the national team, which began more than two decades ago and culminated with the World Cup triumph he had pursued for much of his career.
