Archive · 8 Oct 2026
Messi Ends Argentina Career as Ronaldo Pays Tribute
Lionel Messi played his last game for Argentina after 21 years with the national team.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0, and Messi scored once and helped set up two other goals.
More than 85,000 fans came to the stadium to celebrate him.
He won major trophies with Argentina, including the World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Cristiano Ronaldo, a famous player and longtime rival, sent Messi a message of respect.
Some fans are sad because they will not see Messi play for Argentina again.
Coach Lionel Scaloni says Argentina can still do well, although Messi will be hard to replace.
Messi is expected to keep playing for Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi played his final Argentina match Tuesday, scoring a penalty and assisting two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.
More than 85,000 fans attended the Buenos Aires farewell, which featured tributes to Messi’s 21-year international career.
Reports differ on Messi’s career totals: they cite 125 or 126 goals and 207 or 208 appearances.
Messi’s Argentina honors include the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo praised Messi’s historic service to Argentina, while coach Lionel Scaloni said the team can remain strong but Messi’s influence is unique.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina, Benin and Cristiano Ronaldo.
- What
- Messi played his final international match, scoring and assisting in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin; Ronaldo later paid tribute to him.
- When
- Tuesday for the farewell match; Ronaldo’s message was reported on Wednesday. The articles do not provide a calendar date.
- Where
- Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- Messi ended his 21-year Argentina career, and the match was staged as a farewell to the national-team captain.
Confidence in Argentina’s future
Concern about Messi’s absence
Can Argentina remain a top team?
Confidence in Argentina’s future
Scaloni expressed confidence that Argentina will endure at a high level; fans also pointed to recent wins and emerging young players.
Concern about Messi’s absence
Scaloni said Messi’s presence on the pitch is unique, and fans described his departure as the end of an era.
Who can replace Messi?
Confidence in Argentina’s future
Some supporters said Argentina should play as a unified team and give its new generation opportunities; one named Nicolás Paz as a possible heir.
Concern about Messi’s absence
No successor to Messi’s No. 10 shirt had been announced, and several fans said they would miss him or doubted another player could match his lasting influence.
- Match result
- Argentina defeated Benin 3-0; Messi scored a penalty and assisted the other two goals.
- Career length
- Messi represented Argentina for 21 years.
- Career totals
- Sources differ, reporting 125 or 126 goals and 207 or 208 appearances.
- Attendance
- More than 85,000 fans attended the Buenos Aires farewell.
- Major Argentina titles
- The 2021 and 2024 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup.
- Ronaldo’s message
- Cristiano Ronaldo said Messi had made lasting history for Argentina and expressed respect for his achievements.
- Next chapter
- Messi remains with Inter Miami, with his contract reported to run through the 2028 season.
Sources
Ronaldo breaks rivalry silence with message to Messi
Messi set for emotional Argentina farewell in Buenos Aires friendly vs Benin
Argentina Bids Farewell to Messi in Final National Team Match
Lionel Messi Readies For Final Farewell in Argentina Send-Off
Lionel Messi closes his Argentina chapter in final international appearance
