Messi Ends 21-Year Argentina Career With Goal in Emotional Farewell

Lionel Messi has brought his remarkable 21-year international career with Argentina to an emotional end, scoring in his final appearance as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

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The 39-year-old produced a fitting farewell performance, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists as Argentina celebrated their captain in front of more than 85,000 supporters.

Messi first set up Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal before assisting Nico Paz for Argentina’s second. He then completed the scoring with a 71st-minute penalty, taking his international tally to 126 goals.

The occasion was filled with emotion as the Monumental crowd gave Messi a standing ovation in the 10th minute, matching his famous shirt number. He was visibly moved throughout the farewell and broke down in tears after the final whistle.

Messi ends his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player, having made 208 appearances for the national team. He also leaves as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and assist provider.

His international journey began in 2005 and was eventually crowned with some of the biggest honours in Argentine football.

He led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, the 2022 Finalissima and, most significantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where he captained the team to victory over France in the final.

Messi also helped Argentina retain the Copa América title in 2024, completing a remarkable transformation in his international career after years of disappointment with the national team.

His final night in Argentina was therefore more than just another international match, with supporters, teammates and opponents joining in the celebrations for a player who had become central to the country’s football identity.

Despite ending his Argentina career, Messi is not retiring from football altogether. He remains with Inter Miami, where he is expected to continue his club career.

After 21 years, four major international titles and countless records, Messi’s Argentina chapter has closed with perhaps the most fitting ending: a goal, two assists, a victory and an emotional farewell from the country he led to its greatest football triumph.