Lionel Messi Retires from Argentina Duty After Scoring in Benin Win
Lionel Messi has ended his Argentina career after scoring in a 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium, closing his international record on 207 appearances and 125 goals.
The 39-year-old struck Argentina’s last goal on Tuesday in what was also his final outing before home supporters. He leaves as both the country’s most-capped player and leading men’s international scorer after more than 20 years with the senior side.
Messi delivered an emotional address after the final whistle, first paying tribute to his father and then thanking supporters for backing him throughout his career.
“It is hard to find the words with so many emotions,” he said. “My first thought is of my dad. I can only thank everyone. In the difficult periods, I kept fighting and giving everything I had.”
He described wearing Argentina’s shirt as the defining honour of his football life, saying that playing for the national team was the greatest thing that had happened to him.
World Cup memories and a warning for Argentina
Messi looked back on Argentina’s 2022 World Cup success in Qatar and the scenes when the champions returned to play on home soil. He said he had been fortunate to travel around the country and repeatedly see stadiums packed by Argentina fans.
He also praised the players who shared his international journey, insisting every team-mate had committed fully to the shirt.
Reflecting on the physical strain of the final World Cup campaign in North America, Messi singled out Argentina’s game against England as a particularly difficult test.
His farewell message included a call for unity as Argentina move into a new era without their long-serving captain.
“I am saying goodbye to the national team and I will miss you all,” Messi said. “Now I will be supporting from the other side.”
He urged fans to stand behind the squad during the transition, warning that major change can bring difficult moments and criticism. Argentina’s next fixtures will be their first without the player who led them to the 2022 World Cup title.
