𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐛𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐀𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐚 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡

Lionel Messi has ended his international football career after helping Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The match, played on Tuesday, October 6, marked Messi’s final appearance for the Argentine national team after more than 21 years representing his country.

The 39-year-old captain scored Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot and provided two assists as more than 85,000 fans gathered to watch him play in the famous blue-and-white jersey for the last time.

Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring before Nico Paz doubled Argentina’s lead. Messi then completed the victory with a penalty, bringing his international goal tally to 126.

After the final whistle, Messi struggled to hold back his emotions as he addressed the fans who had gathered to celebrate his career.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years,” Messi said.

“Not coming any more is going to hurt a lot. I swear, I’d love to keep coming my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you,” he added.

Messi also remembered his late father during his speech, saying there were many emotions and thoughts going through his mind.His farewell brings an end to a 21-year international career in which he became Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and the country’s record scorer with 126 goals.

Messi’s time with Argentina included several difficult moments. He faced criticism from supporters early in his international career, but eventually won over the country after leading Argentina to major victories.

He helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024 before finally achieving the country’s long-awaited World Cup success in 2022.The farewell against Benin was therefore more than just another friendly match.

It marked the end of an era for Argentina and a player who spent more than two decades carrying the country’s hopes on the international stage.The Argentine Football Association described the match as Messi’s final game for the national team in front of home supporters.

However, Messi’s retirement does not mean he has retired from football altogether. His decision concerns international football, meaning he will no longer represent Argentina. He can still continue playing at club level.

For Argentine fans, however, Tuesday’s night at the Monumental marked the final time they would see their captain lead the national team on home soil.

After years of pressure, criticism and triumph, Messi left the pitch to chants of his name with Argentina saying goodbye to one of the greatest players in its history.