Lionel Messi ends his 21-year international career with a goal as Argentina beat Benin Republic 3-0 in front of 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old makes his record-extending 208th appearance for Argentina at the Monumental Stadium, where supporters give him an emotional farewell.
Messi assists Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal before Nico Paz adds a second. The Argentina captain then converts a penalty in the 71st minute to score his 126th international goal.
The match marks Messi’s final appearance for the national team after more than two decades representing Argentina.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi tells supporters after the match.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi says, however, that he has no regrets about ending his international career.
“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment. The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through,” he says.
The emotional occasion begins before kick-off, with Messi wiping away tears as the team bus travels through crowds of supporters.
He walks onto the pitch with his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watch from the VIP section.
A giant Argentina shirt bearing “Gracias” and Messi’s famous No.10 is displayed on the pitch before the match.
The game is stopped in the 10th minute for a minute-long ovation in honour of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
After the final whistle, a drone show displays Messi’s image above the stadium as fans celebrate his career.
Messi’s international career includes Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, which ends the country’s 36-year wait for a third World Cup title. He also helps Argentina win the Copa America twice.
His farewell comes after Argentina lose the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi leaves the pitch in tears.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi says at the time.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028 but has previously indicated that he could retire from football sooner.
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar pays tribute to him on X.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you; the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” Neymar says.
Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Buenos Aires awards Messi an honorary doctorate.
“To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!” Messi jokes during the ceremony.
His final Argentina appearance ends with a goal, a victory and an emotional farewell from the fans who have watched him become one of football’s greatest players.
