Lionel Messi signed off from international football with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly on Tuesday, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career in the national team to an emotional close.
The 39-year-old captain’s final appearance came in front of more than 85,000 supporters at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The occasion was as much a national tribute as a football match, with Argentina celebrating the player who transformed its international fortunes.
Buildings and landmarks across the capital were illuminated in the national team’s sky blue and white colours. Fireworks filled the sky above the stadium, while supporters delivered a passionate rendition of Argentina’s national anthem.
Messi’s family watched from the stands, alongside members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning teams from 1978, 1986 and 2022.
“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said afterwards. “There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head. The first thing I think about is my old man,” he added, referring to the recent death of his father.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years.
“Not coming anymore is going to hurt a lot. I swear, I’d love to keep coming my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The farewell began before the match. In Messi’s hometown of Rosario, a huge No. 10 shirt carrying the word “Gracias” was displayed at the National Flag Memorial.
Thousands of fans gathered along the route as the team bus travelled from the training centre named after Messi. The captain was seen wiping away tears during the journey.
Benin’s captain also marked the occasion during the pre-match handshake, presenting Messi with a gift and a letter before the game began.
After a goalless first half, Messi created the opener for Nicolas Otamendi, who finished from close range. Otamendi had spent 17 years alongside Messi in the Argentina squad, including at four World Cups, and was also making his final international appearance.
Messi then provided the pass for Nico Paz to score Argentina’s second. Paz is among those viewed as a possible future wearer of the national team’s No. 10 shirt.
The perfect ending arrived when Messi converted a penalty to make it 3-0. It was his 126th international goal and sparked another chorus of “Messi, Messi” from the crowd.
At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee surrounded him for embraces. A drone display followed before Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole”, performed her signature song “Brindis” as part of the tribute.
Messi finishes as Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record scorer. He leaves having turned years of international disappointment into World Cup and Copa America success.
