Lionel Messi has closed the book on his career with Argentina. In his 208th and final appearance for the Albiceleste, the 2022 World Cup winner experienced an emotional night against Benin. After announcing his international retirement just hours earlier, the former PSG star even found the net to take his tally to 126 goals for his country.
This time, it really is over. At 39, Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night into Wednesday, in a friendly against Benin staged in an atmosphere entirely dedicated to the iconic No. 10. Before taking to the pitch, Messi had confirmed his departure in an Adidas video, saying he was leaving “at peace” after giving everything to the national team.
The Match Stopped in the 10th Minute to Honor Messi
The tributes continued during the game. In the 10th minute, a reference to his legendary shirt number, play was temporarily stopped so the Estadio Monumental crowd could salute Messi. Fireworks were also set off in his honor, marking a powerful moment for a player who once endured a complicated relationship with sections of the Argentine public before becoming one of the greatest legends in Albiceleste history.
Read More
🇦🇷 Le match s'est arrêté à la 10e minute pour rendre hommage à Lionel Messi
Le direct sur L'Équipe live foot > https://t.co/co0gCRzAx7#lequipeFOOT pic.twitter.com/korergbYBy
— L'Équipe (@lequipe) October 6, 2026
Messi did not simply receive the tributes — he also delivered on the pitch. He provided assists for Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute and Nico Paz in the 61st before scoring from the penalty spot after Tamimou Ouorou fouled Agustin Giay inside the Benin box. Facing Marcel Dandjinou, Messi made no mistake, scoring the 126th goal of his international career in his 208th and final appearance.
🇦🇷 Lionel Messi marque sur penalty pour son dernier match avec l'Albiceleste !
Le direct sur L'Équipe live foot > https://t.co/co0gCRzAx7#lequipeFOOT pic.twitter.com/DP3Ipsr8Pt
— L'Équipe (@lequipe) October 7, 2026
After more than two decades with Argentina, Messi leaves international football with an extraordinary legacy, highlighted by his Copa América triumph and, above all, the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar. One final night at the Monumental, one final goal and a farewell worthy of an Argentine legend.
