On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi closed a 21‑year international career with Argentina by helping the Albiceleste to a 3‑0 victory over Benin in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium. Playing his record‑extending 208th match for the country, the 39‑year‑old forward opened the scoring tally with a penalty in the 71st minute, marking his 126th international goal – also a record. In addition to the spot‑kick, Messi supplied the assists for both of Argentina’s other goals, set‑up veteran Nicolas Otamendi for the opener and Nico Paz for the third‑minute strike.
Farewell Match at the Monumental Stadium
The event, billed as “The Last Tango,” was designed as a final celebration of Messi’s contributions to Argentine football. Before kickoff, a massive jersey bearing the word “Gracias” and Messi’s iconic No. 10 was laid on the pitch, prompting a roar from the packed crowd. The match itself was briefly paused in the 10th minute for a minute‑long ovation to the former Barcelona and Paris Saint‑Germain star, a tribute to his legendary shirt number.
Messi entered the field accompanied by his three children and was greeted by affectionate waves from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who watched from a VIP box. Earlier, the Argentine national team’s bus had been stopped by crowds of well‑wishers, during which Messi was seen wiping away tears.
Emotional Moments and Tributes
The atmosphere was charged with emotion. Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine,” echoing the flag raised after Argentina’s 2‑1 semi‑final win over England in the 2022 World Cup. After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the night sky with Messi’s silhouette and a message of thanks to the eight‑time Ballon d’Or winner.
Outside the Argentine Football Association headquarters, supporters unfurled a huge national flag featuring Messi’s image and the phrase “The joy of my life.” The University of Buenos Aires also honored the player with an honorary doctorate in a ceremony held at the AFA offices before the match. Messi, who has previously expressed regret over not pursuing more formal education, joked about the distinction, saying, “To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!”
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar posted a tribute on X, stating, “It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more.”
Career Highlights and Future Outlook
Messi announced his retirement in August after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey, a 1‑0 defeat that ended the tournament in an ill‑tempered match. In a statement at the time, he wrote, “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.”
During his tenure with the Albiceleste, Messi helped Argentina win one World Cup (2022), finish runners‑up twice (Brazil 2014 and North America 2026), and capture Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. The friendly against Benin therefore served as a symbolic bookend to a career that included 208 caps, 126 goals, and a record number of assists.
While his international chapter has closed, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028. However, following the death of his father, Jorge, two months earlier, the Argentine forward hinted that he may consider ending his club career sooner than planned.
Fans and commentators alike reflected on the magnitude of his contributions. “I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest,” said 52‑year‑old Cecilia Adriano to AFP.
Messi’s farewell not only marked the end of an era for Argentine football but also underscored the deep personal connection he forged with supporters across the nation. As the drone lights faded, the stadium echoed with gratitude, a fitting tribute to a player widely regarded as the greatest in football history.
Be First to Comment