Lionel Messi marked his final appearance for Argentina in unforgettable fashion, scoring his 126th international goal as the South American champions defeated Benin 3–0 in an emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Trybal News reports.
The 39-year-old made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday, bringing an end to a 21-year international career that delivered two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Messi scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, sending his 126th international goal into the roof of the net and prompting a huge celebration from the more than 85,000 supporters inside the stadium.
He had already played a decisive role in Argentina’s first two goals. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute from Messi’s corner before Nico Paz doubled the advantage with a curling finish following a pass from the Argentine captain.
The significance of the occasion was evident before kick-off, with Messi visibly emotional as the team bus travelled through streets packed with supporters. Further emotion followed during the national anthem, with Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni both seen in tears.
The match was briefly stopped in the 10th minute as the crowd stood to applaud Messi, while members of the Benin team took the opportunity to greet the legendary No. 10.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and record appearance holder. His international career also includes 21 World Cup goals and appearances at six World Cups, matching Cristiano Ronaldo’s record.
After several years of disappointment with Argentina, Messi eventually led his country to Copa América glory in 2021 and 2024 before achieving his greatest international triumph by winning the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
His international career may be over, but Messi will continue playing at club level with Inter Miami, where he recently added the Campeones Cup to his list of honours.
For Argentina, it was more than a victory. It was a final opportunity to celebrate the player who transformed an era of their football history.
And Messi signed off in familiar fashion, with a goal, an assist and one final farewell to the supporters who had followed his journey for more than two decades.
