Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday with a goal and two assists in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old retired from the national team with a record 208 senior caps and 126 goals, having led Argentina to a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América championships, the Argentine Football Association reported.
Messi scores final international goal in Buenos Aires
Playing in front of 85,000 supporters, Messi signed off with a penalty goal after Tamimou Ouorou committed a challenge on Agustin Giay, according to The Guardian. The match featured several tributes, including a giant “Gracias” jersey laid on the pitch before kickoff and a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute, as reported by The Guardian.
Argentina broke a goalless first half when Nicolas Otamendi scored following a Messi corner. Nico Paz later doubled the lead in the 61st minute after an assist from Messi. The Guardian noted that the event followed a more difficult exit for the forward two and a half months prior, when Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
Scaloni and teammates react to the retirement
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni described coaching Messi as a “dream come true” and stated that the captain’s aura is incomparable to anyone else he has seen in his life, according to the Argentine Football Association. Scaloni further told La Nacion that while the national team will continue, it won’t be the same without Messi’s example of professionalism and leadership.
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar shared a tribute on X, stating that the world thanks Messi for everything he did for football and for making him love the sport even more. In his own reflections reported by the Argentine Football Association, Messi expressed gratitude for the honor of wearing the jersey for over two decades, noting that playing for Argentina is “the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
Messi receives honorary doctorate after father dies
Prior to the match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. The Guardian reported that Messi expressed pride in the distinction, as he has previously mentioned regrets regarding his own studies.
The retirement follows a period of personal loss. Messi announced his international departure following the death of his father, Jorge, who died in August at age 68. According to the BBC, Jorge Messi managed his son’s affairs from the start of his career. The Guardian added that while Messi is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, the death of his father has led him to suggest he may retire from all professional football sooner than expected.
Messi holds Argentina records for caps and goals
| Achievement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Total Caps | 208 (Argentina Record) |
| Total Goals | 126 (Argentina Record) |
| Major Titles | 1 World Cup (2022), 2 Copa Américas (2021, 2024) |
| World Cup Finals | Only player to start three finals (Irish Independent) |
Business interests and youth football
Beyond the pitch, the BBC reports that Forbes estimated Messi’s net worth at approximately $1.1 billion in June, with annual earnings of around $140 million. His portfolio includes a lifetime deal with Adidas and MiM Hotels, a collection of six boutique properties managed by Melia.
Messi also invests in youth development through the Messi Cup, an Under-16 academy tournament. The BBC reports the tournament expanded to 16 teams in 2025, including clubs like Chelsea, Barcelona, and Arsenal, with matches held at Inter Miami’s facilities in Florida. Other ventures include the restaurant chain El Club de la Milanesa and a partnership with drinkware company Stanley.
Common questions about Messi’s retirement
When did Messi officially retire from international football?
Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday in a 3-0 win against Benin in Buenos Aires, following an announcement made after the World Cup and the passing of his father.
Will Messi continue playing for Inter Miami?
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, though The Guardian reports he may retire from all football sooner than planned following the death of his father.
What records does Messi leave behind with Argentina?
He retires as the most-capped player in Argentina’s history with 208 appearances and the all-time leading goalscorer for the national team with 126 goals.
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