Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Messi Retires After Argentina’s 3-0 Farewell Win Over Benin
Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Lionel Messi’s final game for the national team.
The match was played in Buenos Aires.
Before it began, fans displayed a giant number 10 shirt that said “Gracias,” or “Thank you.”
Messi became emotional during the national anthem.
Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz scored for Argentina, and Messi scored a penalty.
Cristiano Ronaldo later wrote that he respected Messi and that his story with Argentina would last forever.
Messi also thanked the people who supported him and remembered Diego Maradona.
He said he felt it was the right time to leave the national team.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires in Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
Messi scored a penalty in the 69th minute; Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz scored Argentina’s other goals.
A giant No. 10 jersey marked “Gracias,” fireworks and emotional scenes honored Messi before and during the match.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Messi’s years representing Argentina and said his legacy would last forever.
Messi’s farewell post thanked his family, teammates, coaches, clubs, supporters and God, and remembered Diego Maradona.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Argentina played Benin; Cristiano Ronaldo later paid tribute to Messi.
- What
- Argentina won 3-0 in Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
- When
- Tuesday night; Messi’s farewell message described the match as having taken place the previous day.
- Where
- The Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- The match marked Messi’s farewell from Argentina’s national team.
- Match result
- Argentina 3, Benin 0
- Goals
- Nicolás Otamendi, Nico Paz and Lionel Messi
- Messi’s goal
- A penalty in the 69th minute
- Venue
- The Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Farewell tribute
- A giant No. 10 jersey bearing “Gracias,” fireworks and an emotional national anthem ceremony
- Messi’s international record
- 208 appearances and 126 goals, according to one article
- Assists
- One article says Messi assisted both other goals; the match account describes his free-kick leading to Otamendi’s goal and Nico Paz scoring after creating his own chance.
- Ronaldo’s message
- He expressed respect for Messi’s achievements with Argentina and said his history would last forever.
