BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi turned his final appearance for Argentina into an unforgettable celebration on Tuesday, scoring a penalty and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium.
In front of about 85,000 emotional fans, the 39 year old captain brought the curtain down on a 21 year international career that produced 126 goals, two Copa América titles and the long awaited 2022 FIFA World Cup triumph.
“It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years,” Messi told supporters from the center of the pitch after the match.
“I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The farewell was filled with emotion from the beginning. Messi was accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro as the Argentine national anthem was performed, while goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez placed an arm around him as the captain became visibly emotional.
Ten minutes after kickoff, the referee stopped the match to honor Messi. Players from both sides approached the Argentine star as the crowd rose to deliver a prolonged standing ovation.
Messi delivers one final masterclass
Despite the emotional occasion, Messi remained at the heart of Argentina’s attacking display.
Defender Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute, heading home from a corner delivered by Messi.
The Argentine captain then set up young midfielder Nicolás Paz, who doubled the lead in the 61st minute with a fine left footed finish.
Ten minutes later, Messi stepped up to take a penalty and calmly sent the ball into the top corner to make it 3-0.
The Monumental erupted as supporters chanted his name.
“Olé, olé, Messi!”
Messi’s final appearance was his 208th for Argentina, bringing an emotional end to a journey that began with his senior debut in 2005.
A career that changed Argentine football
Messi’s international career was not always defined by success.
For years, he faced criticism and disappointment with Argentina after falling short in major tournaments. That changed dramatically in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa América and reached its peak the following year by winning the 2022 World Cup.
That triumph cemented Messi’s place among Argentina’s greatest football heroes and helped establish him as one of the most decorated players in the history of the sport.
He announced on August 31 that his time with the national team was coming to an end, despite continuing to perform at a high level.
His final World Cup campaign also ended with Argentina reaching the final, where it lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi nevertheless finished the tournament with eight goals and four assists.
‘I’m going to miss you all’
After the final whistle, Messi thanked his teammates, coaches and supporters for sharing his extraordinary international journey.
“I’m going to miss you all. Now I’ll be on your side, supporting the national team and the guys who come next,” he said.
“When we’re united, we’re stronger than anyone and can overcome anything. Tough times lie ahead, because what this group achieved won’t be easy to repeat.”
Messi also urged the next generation of Argentina players to maintain unity as they attempt to build on the success of the current squad.
At the end of the celebrations, he took a solitary lap around the stadium as supporters continued chanting his name.
“Messi, Messi, Messi.”
Messi honored before final Argentina appearance
Before taking part in his farewell match, Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires in recognition of his achievements with Argentina and his influence both on and off the football pitch.
The honor was presented at the national team’s training complex in Ezeiza, where Messi received a diploma and medal.
For a player who spent more than two decades carrying Argentina’s hopes, Tuesday night at the Monumental offered a fitting farewell: a victory, a goal, two assists and one final celebration with the nation he represented for 21 years.
