Lionel Messi has officially brought the curtain down on his international career with Argentina, ending a remarkable 21-year journey with an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
The 39-year-old captain made his final appearance for the national team on Tuesday, October 6, as Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 in a friendly watched by more than 85,000 supporters. Messi marked the occasion in style, providing two assists before scoring Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot.
The match was more than just another international fixture. It marked the end of an era for Argentina, with fans giving their captain a prolonged ovation as he walked onto the pitch for what was confirmed as his final appearance in the famous blue-and-white shirt.
After the final whistle, an emotional Messi addressed the supporters and reflected on his extraordinary journey with Argentina. He described his retirement as the “saddest day of my career”, admitting that not representing the national team again would be deeply painful.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told the crowd, adding that he would have liked to continue playing for Argentina for the rest of his life.
Messi’s international career began in 2005 and was initially marked by disappointment and criticism as Argentina struggled to win major trophies. Over time, however, he became the central figure in one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.
He eventually led Argentina to the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, transforming his relationship with supporters and cementing his status as one of the country’s greatest sporting icons.
His final appearance took his Argentina record to 208 international matches and 126 goals, making him the country’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player. His farewell performance against Benin therefore provided a fitting final chapter to a career that has produced some of the most memorable moments in Argentine football.
The retirement also signals the beginning of a new era for Argentina. For more than a decade, the national team was built around Messi’s creativity, leadership and goals. Coach Lionel Scaloni and the next generation of players will now face the challenge of carrying the team forward without its iconic No. 10.
While Messi has ended his international career, his club career continues. His departure from Argentina’s national team nevertheless closes one of the most celebrated chapters in modern football, leaving behind a record, a collection of major trophies and a lasting connection with Argentine supporters.
For Messi, the farewell was filled with tears and gratitude. For Argentina, it was the end of an era that began more than two decades ago and ultimately saw its greatest star leave the national team as a world champion and national hero.
