Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Messi Bids Farewell as Argentina Defeats Benin 3-0
Lionel Messi played his last game for Argentina against Benin.
Argentina won 3-0.
Messi scored a penalty, bringing his Argentina goal total to 126.
It was his 208th game for the national team.
Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz scored the other goals.
Reports disagree about whether Messi made one assist or two.
Fans applauded him when the game stopped in the 10th minute.
After the match, Messi said he would miss playing for Argentina and thanked his teammates and fans.
He plans to continue his club career with Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi made his final Argentina appearance in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental.
Messi scored a penalty for his 126th Argentina goal and earned his record 208th cap.
Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz also scored; reports differ on whether Messi recorded one or two assists.
More than 85,000 fans reportedly attended, and play stopped in the 10th minute for a tribute.
In his farewell speech, Messi said leaving Argentina would hurt and thanked his teammates and supporters.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Argentina; their opponent was Benin.
- What
- Messi made his final Argentina appearance in a 3-0 friendly win, scoring a penalty.
- When
- Reports date the match to Tuesday, October 6, or Wednesday, October 7, 2026.
- Where
- Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- The match marked the end of Messi’s 21-year international career.
One assist reported
Two assists reported
Messi’s assists in the match
One assist reported
Some reports describe Messi as providing one assist, including the setup for Nicolas Otamendi’s opening goal.
Two assists reported
Other reports say Messi provided two assists and was directly involved in all three goals.
- Result
- Argentina 3, Benin 0
- Messi’s Argentina appearances
- 208
- Messi’s Argentina goals
- 126
- International career
- Began in 2005 and lasted 21 years
- Other Argentina scorers
- Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz
- Reported attendance
- More than 85,000
- 10th-minute tribute
- Play stopped as fans applauded Messi
- Assists
- Reports differ: some say one, others say two
Sources
Lionel Messi Retires From International Football With One Last Goal As Argentina Win 3-0
Goodbye, Leo! Lionel Messi Bids Farewell To Argentina With Goal As Benin Suffers 3-0 Defeat At Buenos Aires
Messi’s farewell speech: ‘I don’t want to leave, not being with Argentina hurts’
Heartbreaking Scenes! Enzo Fernandez Cries As Lionel Messi Gives Emotional Farewell Speech To Argentina Fans | Video
'I Don't Want To Leave This Place': Lionel Messi Delivers Heartbreaking Farewell Message To Argentina Fans
From Qatar World Cup Glory To Final England Comeback, Lionel Messi Leaves Behind A Legacy For Generations
