Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Messi Bids Emotional Farewell After Final Argentina International Appearance
Lionel Messi has played his last game for Argentina's national team.
Argentina won 3-0 against Benin.
Messi helped set up two goals and scored one himself from a penalty kick.
He has scored 126 goals in 208 games for Argentina.
After the match, he spoke to a crowd in Buenos Aires.
He said he felt at peace with retiring, even though saying goodbye made him very sad.
Messi thanked his teammates and supporters.
He said the team worked together to win important tournaments, including the World Cup.
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0, with Messi scoring a penalty after providing two assists.
The match brought Messi's international record to 126 goals in 208 appearances.
Addressing a sell-out crowd in Buenos Aires, Messi said retiring was one of the saddest days of his life.
He thanked his teammates and said Argentina's strong group helped the team win major titles, including the 2022 World Cup.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Argentina's national team.
- What
- Messi played his final international match, a 3-0 win over Benin, and gave a farewell speech.
- When
- Tuesday night; the article does not give a date.
- Where
- Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- Messi said he felt the time had come to retire, after the demands of the last World Cup.
- Final opponent
- Benin
- Match result
- Argentina won 3-0
- Messi's contribution
- Two assists and one penalty goal
- International record
- 126 goals in 208 appearances
- Farewell speech location
- Buenos Aires
- Titles Messi named
- World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima