Lionel Messi had one final night in the Argentina shirt, and it looked remarkably like the career that came before it.
The 39-year-old scored, provided two assists and helped Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Tuesday.
But the score was almost secondary.
More than 85,000 fans filled the stadium to watch Messi play his 208th and final match for Argentina. After 21 years, the national team career of one of football’s greatest players had reached its final chapter.
A Perfect Final Night at the Monumental
Argentina took control after halftime. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute, with Messi providing the assist from a corner.
Nicolás Paz then doubled the lead in the 61st minute, again with Messi setting up the goal.
The final moment belonged to Messi himself. In the 71st minute, he converted a penalty to make it 3-0. It was his 126th international goal for Argentina.
The goal completed a remarkable final performance. Messi had played a direct role in all three goals before leaving the field to a huge ovation.
The Argentine Football Association described the night as a farewell for its captain in front of a packed Monumental. The stadium hosted music, tributes, lights, fireworks and a drone show after the match.
Twenty-One Years in the Albiceleste
Messi first played for Argentina’s senior team in 2005. Over the next two decades, he experienced almost every possible emotion with the national shirt. There were painful defeats and criticism before the biggest successes finally arrived.
Messi led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup. Those victories transformed his relationship with Argentine fans after years of frustration.
His international career ends with records that underline his extraordinary longevity. Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its leading scorer, with 126 goals.
He also leaves with a different place in the country’s football culture. For years, Messi carried the weight of comparison with Diego Maradona and the expectations of an entire nation.
By the time he walked onto the Monumental pitch for the last time, the mood was different. Argentina was not asking him to prove anything. It was simply saying thank you.
“The Last Tango” for Messi
The farewell had been planned as a celebration rather than an ordinary friendly.
FIFA had announced in September that Messi would make his final Argentina appearance against Benin at the Monumental. The Argentine Football Association presented the match as a deserved farewell for its captain.
Messi arrived at the stadium amid crowds of supporters. Before kickoff, he shared an emotional moment with his family and walked onto the pitch with his three children.
A giant Argentina shirt bearing the word “Gracias” and his famous No. 10 was displayed on the field.
The match was also the final international appearance for veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi.
Messi Leaves the Door Open for His Club Career
Messi’s departure from the Argentina national team does not mean the end of his football career.
He will continue playing for Inter Miami, where he remains under contract through 2028.
His international chapter, however, is now closed. For Argentina, that means saying goodbye to the player who became its record appearance holder and top scorer.
For Messi, it means ending a journey that began as a teenager in 2005 and eventually brought him the trophies that had once seemed beyond reach.
After 21 years, the Argentina chapter of Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career is over.
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