Lionel Messi Ends International Career With Argentina Victory Against Benin
Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year career with the Argentina national football team on October 7, 2026, featuring in a 3-0 international friendly win against Benin in Buenos Aires. The match marked Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina. He finishes his national team career bringing his final tally to 126 international goals.
Pregame Emotions and Match Timeline in Buenos Aires
The evening began with emotional scenes on the pitch as Messi walked out alongside his three sons, Thiago, 13, Mateo, 11, and Ciro, 8. National coach Lionel Scaloni and Messi both appeared visibly moved during the national anthem.
Action on the pitch unfolded across the night:
* Minute 10: The match paused briefly for fireworks, and fans gave Messi a standing ovation.
* Minute 48: Nicolás Otamendi scored the opening goal with a volley following a corner kick, set up by Messi.
* Minute 61: Paz scored Argentina’s second goal with a curling shot, also assisted by Messi.
* Minute 71: Following a foul on Giay inside the penalty area, Messi stepped up to take the penalty kick. He converted with a left-footed shot into the top right corner to secure the 3:0 scoreline.
Benin, ranked 89th in the world and coached by German manager Gernot Rohr, created scoring opportunities prior to halftime but failed to convert.
Championships and Career Milestones Leading to Retirement
Messi’s retirement follows a two-decade career with the senior national team that included several major tournament victories. His career peak with Argentina arrived at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where he captained the team to the title. He also won the Copa América with the Albiceleste in 2021 and 2024.
The decision to end his international career followed Argentina’s appearance in the 2026 World Cup final, where the team suffered a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi’s Final Match
What was the final score of Lionel Messi’s last game for Argentina?
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in the friendly match on October 7, 2026, with Messi scoring the final goal from a penalty kick in the 71st minute.
How many total appearances and goals did Messi record for Argentina?
Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for the Albiceleste across 21 years.
Who coached the Benin national team during the farewell match?
The Benin squad was managed by German coach Gernot Rohr during the fixture in Buenos Aires.