Lionel Messi Farewell Match: Argentina 3-0 Benin as Legend Bids Goodbye.

Lionel Messi has officially played his final match for the Argentina national team. On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires as the football legend brought his international career to an emotional close.

The farewell match, promoted as the “Last Tango,” gave Argentine fans one final chance to watch their captain wear the famous No. 10 shirt. Messi delivered the perfect ending, contributing to all three goals with one goal and two assists.

At 39, Messi ends a remarkable international career that includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and decades of unforgettable moments with Argentina. He will continue his professional club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

Argentina 3-0 Benin: Match Highlights

Argentina eventually broke through after a goalless first half.

Messi delivered the first assist for Nicolás Otamendi, who opened the scoring early in the second half. Messi then created another goal for Nico Paz before completing his own farewell performance from the penalty spot.

The final score:

Argentina 3-0 Benin

Nicolás Otamendi: Assisted by Lionel Messi
Nico Paz: Assisted by Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi: Penalty

Messi therefore played a direct role in every Argentina goal on his final international night.

Lionel Messi Scores in His Final Argentina Match

The moment Argentine fans had been waiting for arrived in the second half.

After Argentina were awarded a penalty, Messi stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot to make it 3-0. His teammates immediately surrounded him as the Monumental erupted in celebration.

It was a fitting final goal for a player who has spent more than two decades carrying Argentina's hopes and expectations.

Reports from the match put Messi's final international goal total at 126, while his farewell appearance was his 208th for Argentina.

The Emotional 10th-Minute Tribute

The match was about much more than football.

During the 10th minute, the crowd turned its attention toward Messi for a special tribute. The packed Monumental rose to celebrate the Argentina captain, creating one of the night's most emotional scenes.

The tribute was particularly meaningful because Messi has worn the No. 10 shirt throughout the defining years of his Argentina career.

More than 85,000 fans packed the stadium, with supporters arriving to witness the end of one of the greatest international careers in football history.

Messi Tears Up During Argentina Farewell

The emotion began before kickoff.

Messi was visibly moved during the national anthem as he stood alongside his Argentina teammates. His family and supporters were also part of the emotional occasion.

A giant Argentina No. 10 jersey carrying the message “Gracias” was displayed on the pitch as fans celebrated the player who helped Argentina reach the summit of international football.

After the final whistle, the celebrations continued with a special tribute to Messi and his extraordinary career.

Messi's Argentina Career Comes to an End

Messi's relationship with Argentina was not always easy.

For years, he faced criticism after Argentina repeatedly fell short in major tournaments. Some fans compared him with Diego Maradona and questioned whether Messi could deliver the same type of international success.

Everything changed with the 2021 Copa América.

Argentina defeated Brazil in the final, giving Messi his first major senior international trophy with his country. One year later, he helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, finally completing the greatest missing achievement of his career.

Those victories transformed Messi's legacy in Argentina forever.

Messi's International Career by the Numbers

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as the country's all-time leading scorer and record appearance holder.

His international legacy includes:

208 appearances for Argentina
126 international goals
2021 Copa América champion
2022 FIFA World Cup champion
2024 Copa América champion
Argentina's all-time leading scorer
Argentina's record appearance holder

His final match against Benin added another memorable chapter to an international career that began more than two decades ago.

What Comes Next for Lionel Messi?

Although Messi has ended his international career, he has not retired from professional football altogether.

The Argentine superstar will continue playing club football with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His international retirement therefore marks the end of his Argentina story, rather than the end of his playing career.

For Argentine supporters, however, the image of Messi walking away from the national team in the No. 10 shirt will remain one of the defining moments of his legendary career.

Lionel Messi Farewell Match FAQs

When was Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina?

Messi played his final Argentina match on October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

What was the Argentina vs. Benin score?

Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Messi's farewell match.

How many goals did Messi score against Benin?

Messi scored one goal, converting a penalty in the second half.

How many assists did Messi have against Benin?

Messi provided two assists, contributing directly to all three Argentina goals.

How many matches did Messi play for Argentina?

Messi finished his Argentina career with 208 appearances, according to post-match reporting.

Will Lionel Messi continue playing football?

Yes. Messi's Argentina retirement does not mean he has retired from professional football. He is expected to continue his club career with Inter Miami.