Lionel Messi has played his final match for Argentina, captaining his side to a 3-0 victory against Benin in a friendly match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The team captain served as the central figure of the match, having a hand in all three goals for the host country. He set up the opening two goals with assists for teammates Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz, before scoring a penalty kick himself midway through the second half.
Tributes at the Monumental
Match officials brought play to a halt in the tenth minute of the game for a one-minute stoppage in honor of Messi, who wore the number 10 jersey throughout his career with the national team.
Players from Benin walked up to the legendary attacker to shake his hand during the pause, while supporters filling the stands at the Estadio Monumental gave him a loud ovation.
A historic international record
Messi made his debut for the Argentina national team in 2005. Over his 21 years representing the country, he earned 207 caps and scored 125 goals, retiring as the all-time top goalscorer in Argentina history.
During his international career, he won the Copa America twice, in 2021 and 2024, as well as the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
Widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, Messi spent 17 seasons at Spanish club Barcelona and two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain before joining Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. The Estadio Monumental, located in Buenos Aires, is the home stadium of River Plate and the primary venue for Argentina national team fixtures. Benin compete internationally in Africa under the Confederation of African Football.
Farewell to the national team
The match follows Messi's announcement on August 31 that he would end his career with the national team, concluding a 21-year stint playing for Argentina.
