Lionel Messi has officially signed off from international football in memorable fashion, scoring for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
The Argentina captain brought his remarkable international career to a close by scoring his 126th goal for the national team in what was his 208th and final appearance for La Albiceleste.
Messi, who made his Argentina debut more than two decades ago, entered his final international match with an extraordinary collection of achievements behind him. The legendary No. 10 won two Copa América titles and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, finally delivering the biggest international trophy to Argentina after years of near misses.
At the sold-out Estadio Monumental, the occasion became even more special when Messi stepped up to take a penalty in the 71st minute. The 39-year-old made no mistake, striking the ball powerfully with his left foot and sending it into the roof of the net.
The goal sparked an emotional celebration inside the stadium, with thousands of supporters chanting “Messi, Messi” as Argentina celebrated another memorable night for their greatest football icon.
Messi’s farewell was not limited to the action on the pitch. After the final whistle, a spectacular drone show illuminated the Buenos Aires sky above the Monumental.
The display featured some of the defining moments of Messi’s extraordinary career, including the unforgettable image of the Argentine superstar lifting the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022.
The farewell marked the end of a 21-year international journey that transformed Messi from a teenage prodigy into one of the most decorated and celebrated footballers in history.
From his early appearances for Argentina to his triumphs at the Copa América and World Cup, Messi’s international career has been defined by longevity, records, trophies and unforgettable moments.
His final appearance against Benin therefore represented more than just another friendly. It was an emotional farewell to an era and a fitting final chapter for a player who has become synonymous with Argentine football.
With Messi’s international career now complete, fans around the world will look back on his 208 appearances and 126 goals as part of an extraordinary legacy that may never be replicated.
21 Key Moments From Messi’s International Farewell
The farewell night featured memorable moments before, during and after the final whistle, from the atmosphere inside the Monumental to Messi’s goal and the spectacular drone tribute celebrating his career.
For Argentine supporters, however, the most significant moment was seeing their iconic No. 10 score one final goal in national-team colours before saying goodbye to international football.
Messi leaves the Argentina team as a World Cup winner, two-time Copa América champion and the country’s all-time leading goalscorer, bringing one of football’s greatest international careers to an emotional conclusion.