Messi last game for Argentina went down in soccer history as a night of emotion, tributes and, above all, gratitude. On October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi wore the Argentina national team jersey for the final time in front of more than 85,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental de Núñez in Buenos Aires.
In a farewell worthy of one of the greatest players in history, Argentina defeated Benin 3-0, with Messi directly involved in all three goals. He also scored the final goal of his international career for the Albiceleste from the penalty spot.
More than just a friendly match, the game marked the end of a career spanning more than two decades with the Argentina national team.
Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina With a Special Performance
Even before kickoff, it was clear that this would not be an ordinary game. The Monumental was completely packed, while thousands of fans prepared a huge tribute for the number 10.
Messi arrived at the stadium with his teammates and could not hide his emotions on the way to the Monumental. Inside the stadium, a huge Argentina jersey featuring the number 10 and the word “Gracias” was placed on the field to honor the captain.
Argentina started the game trying to control the action, but the goals only came in the second half. And, fittingly, Messi played a direct role in creating the victory.
First, the star provided an assist for Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring. He then found Nico Paz, who scored Argentina’s second goal.
Finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived. Messi stepped up to take a penalty and did not miss. With his trademark composure, he scored Argentina’s third goal and ended his national team career in a special way: one goal and two assists in his final game.
Messi’s Final Goal for Argentina
The penalty against Benin meant much more than simply extending Argentina’s lead.
The goal became Messi 126th for Argentina, further cementing his place as the country’s all-time leading scorer. It also sparked one of the most emotional celebrations of the night, with the entire Monumental chanting the number 10’s name.
Messi had a few more chances after scoring, but the scoreline did not change. As a result, the penalty became the final goal of his international career with the jersey he had worn since 2005.
A Farewell Filled With Tears
Despite his outstanding performance on the field, some of the most emotional moments of the night happened away from the action.
Messi became emotional several times throughout his farewell. The player cried before the game and during the national anthem, as thousands of Argentines sang from the stands.
After the final whistle, teammates, opponents and members of the coaching staff gathered around to embrace the captain. A special presentation then took place inside the Monumental, including a drone show over Buenos Aires and several tributes to the legendary player.
The farewell also had an important family meaning for Messi. While speaking to the fans, he reflected on his journey and highlighted the pride he felt in wearing Argentina’s jersey for so many years.
More Than Two Decades of History
Messi’s story with the Argentina national team began on August 17, 2005, in Budapest, against Hungary.
In that first match, the young forward came on as a substitute and was sent off just seconds later. His beginning with the national team, therefore, was far from an indication of everything that would follow.
Messi went on to play alongside several generations of Argentina players, appearing in six World Cups and multiple Copa América tournaments. Along the way, he also experienced some of the biggest disappointments of his career.
There were final defeats, criticism and enormous pressure. However, everything changed in 2021.
That year, Messi finally won his first major senior international title by lifting the 2021 Copa América. Then came the 2022 Finalissima against Italy and, most importantly, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, when Argentina became world champions with Messi as captain.
In 2024, the star also lifted another Copa América trophy, establishing one of the most successful periods in Argentina’s history.
Messi’s Legacy With Argentina
Messi ends his Argentina career as the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. Following his farewell against Benin, records show 208 appearances and 126 goals for the national team.
Beyond his individual numbers, his career with Argentina was defined by four major senior international titles:
- 2021 Copa América;
- 2022 Finalissima;
- 2022 World Cup;
- 2024 Copa América.
Including youth competitions and the Olympic team, Messi also won the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
At the 2026 World Cup, Messi also played in his sixth edition of the tournament. The competition became another important chapter in his international career before his definitive farewell.
An Era Comes to an End
The farewell against Benin was not simply Messi’s last game for Argentina. It marked the end of an era.
For years, the number 10 jersey was directly associated with the star. Fans watched his first games, suffered through the defeats, celebrated the victories and finally saw Messi lift the long-awaited World Cup trophy.
Now, Argentina will have to move forward without its greatest idol on the field. The team faces the challenge of beginning a new chapter, while the legacy left by the number 10 will remain one of the most important stories in Argentine soccer history.
However, if there is an ideal way to close such a remarkable story, Messi found one.
In front of a packed Monumental, with fans chanting his name, the number 10 scored, provided assists, won his final game and received the affection of his teammates and supporters.
After more than 20 years, Messi said goodbye to the Argentina national team with a goal, a victory and the certainty that his story with the Albiceleste jersey is already part of world soccer history.
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