Messi Signs Off Argentina Career with Goal and Two Assists in Benin Win
Lionel Messi has ended his Argentina career with a 3-0 win over Benin at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, signing off with two assists and a 71st-minute penalty. The strike was his 126th — and final — international goal.
A final night built around Messi
The 39-year-old’s farewell came after he confirmed in August that he would retire from international football, bringing a 21-year spell with La Albiceleste to a close. Argentina overcame 93rd-ranked Benin comfortably, but the occasion belonged entirely to their departing captain.
Messi created two goals before converting from the spot after 71 minutes, delivering a final decisive display in front of a packed home crowd. The 2022 World Cup winner leaves as a two-time Copa America champion and Argentina’s record international scorer.
- Messi announced in August that his Argentina journey would soon finish.
- He made his last appearance against Benin at the Monumental.
- Argentina won 3-0, with Messi supplying two assists.
- He scored a penalty in the 71st minute for goal number 126.
- After the match, he addressed supporters in an emotional farewell.
Emotional tribute to his father and the supporters
After the final whistle, Messi dedicated the occasion to his father Jorge, who died in August aged 68. A tearful Messi said his father was the first person he thought of amid the emotions of the night.
He thanked supporters for what wearing Argentina’s shirt had meant over two decades, stressing that he had always continued to fight for another opportunity to represent the national side.
Messi admitted leaving will hurt. He said playing in Argentina had been among the greatest experiences of his life and that the thought of not returning was difficult to accept.
Ronaldinho salutes former Barcelona teammate
Ronaldinho was among the first major figures to honour Messi after his final appearance. The Brazilian, who helped guide Messi during his early Barcelona years, said it had been a privilege to share part of the forward’s journey from the beginning.
He praised Messi for the joy he brought to football and said his legacy belongs not only to Argentina but to the global game. Ronaldinho also reflected on the pressure Messi carried to deliver trophies for his country.
The 2002 World Cup winner said the pair understood the fulfilment of achieving a childhood ambition by representing their nation and becoming world champions. He added that Messi had given everything to Argentina.
Ronaldinho also pointed to the family considerations behind the decision, saying a long career can alter priorities. His message to Messi was to enjoy life and the time ahead with his family.
What happens next for Messi
Messi will now focus exclusively on Inter Miami for the remainder of his playing career. Ending his international commitments removes the demands of national-team windows and should give him greater control over his physical workload.
- Messi finishes with 126 goals for Argentina.
- His last Argentina match ended in a 3-0 victory over Benin.
- He produced two assists and scored once from the penalty spot.
- Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning captain will continue at Inter Miami.
- More time away from the international calendar will also allow a greater family focus.
