Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to a close on Tuesday, receiving an emotional farewell from Argentina fans during his final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.
In a fitting finale, the 39-year-old scored his 126th international goal as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 before 85,000 supporters at Monumental Stadium. Messi, making a record-extending 208th international appearance, also assisted Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal, while Nico Paz added Argentina’s second.
The result, however, was secondary to an occasion that celebrated one of the most decorated careers in international football. The farewell had been billed as “The Last Tango,” with Messi receiving a prolonged ovation from the home crowd.
Before the match, Messi wiped away tears as the Argentina team bus made its way through crowds of supporters on the journey to the stadium. He later entered the field alongside his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from a VIP box.
A giant Argentina jersey carrying the word “Gracias” above Messi’s iconic No. 10 was displayed on the pitch before kick-off as the crowd applauded the departing captain.
The emotional moments continued during the national anthem, when Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang alongside Messi. A banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” was displayed, echoing the banner held by Argentina players following their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute, in tribute to Messi’s shirt number, as the crowd gave him a minute-long standing ovation. He completed the farewell with a 71st-minute penalty.
Quem ama futebol te aproveitou ao longo desses anos…
Hoje é seu ultimo jogo com a camisa da tua seleção, do teu país e eu espero que você curta cada segundo, que todas as homenagens hoje te façam feliz.
Não é só Argentina que te agradece, o mundo agradece por tudo que fez ao futebol.
Obrigado por me fazer amar ainda mais o futebol, foi uma honra ter jogado contra você e mais ainda fazer história ao seu lado.
GRACIAS Leo Messi 🐐— Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) October 6, 2026
After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the night sky above the stadium with images of Messi and messages celebrating the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s career.
Messi’s international farewell came two and a half months after Argentina’s 1-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, where he left the field in tears after a subdued performance in an ill-tempered match.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give,” Messi said at the time, adding that a new generation of players deserved their opportunity.
Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. Messi, who has previously spoken about regretting not pursuing more education, said he was proud of the recognition.
Outside the AFA headquarters, supporters displayed a huge Argentine flag featuring Messi alongside the words “The joy of my life.”
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar also paid tribute to Messi on X, thanking him for his contribution to football and saying he had helped him love the sport even more.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, although he has indicated that he could retire sooner following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago.
His international career included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, which ended the country’s 36-year wait for a third world title and cemented Messi’s place among Argentina’s greatest footballers. He also led the national team to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
During his 21 years with Argentina, Messi also finished as a World Cup runner-up in 2014 and 2026. For Argentina supporters, however, his legacy extends beyond the trophies and records, marking the end of an era for one of the country’s most celebrated sporting figures.
