Lionel Messi scores and sets up two in 3-0 win over Benin as he plays his last game for Argentina
Messi signed off with a penalty and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires, ending his Argentina career with 208 caps and 126 goals.
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring a penalty and setting up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in front of around 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old ends a 21-year international career with 208 caps and 126 goals, both Argentina records. He announced on 31 August that his time with the national team was coming to an end, and the game against Benin was organised as his official farewell.
The match
The first half was goalless, but Argentina scored soon after the restart. Less than three minutes into the second half, Messi's corner was headed in by Nicolas Otamendi.
Just after the hour, Messi set up Nico Paz, who scored from the edge of the box. Then in the 71st minute Argentina were given a penalty when Tamimou Ouorou fouled Agustin Giay. Messi stepped up and put it into the top corner for his 126th international goal.
Statistics site FotMob recorded nine shots and four chances created for Messi on the night, the most of any player on the pitch.
An emotional night in Buenos Aires
The farewell began well before kick-off. In his home city of Rosario, a giant No. 10 shirt with the word "Gracias" was displayed at the National Flag Memorial. Thousands of fans lined the route as Argentina's team bus left the training centre that bears Messi's name, and he was seen in tears on the way to the stadium.
Before the game, Benin's captain handed Messi a gift and a letter during the handshakes. His family watched from the stands alongside members of Argentina's 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning squads. After the final whistle, team-mates, opponents and the referee embraced him, and the night ended with a drone show and a performance by folk singer Soledad Pastorutti.
Speaking to the crowd, Messi said it was hard to talk and that the recent death of his father was on his mind. He also said he would miss the fans.
A record-breaking career
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005. He captained the team to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and to Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Only Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, with 146, has scored more international goals among men.
Under coach Lionel Scaloni, Argentina now have to build a team without their captain for the first time in two decades. Messi said after the game that the squad needed to stay strong and united.
Why it matters to fans in Asia
Messi has a huge following across Southeast Asia, where Argentina's World Cup matches draw big late-night and early-morning audiences. Because of the time difference, many fans in Malaysia caught up with the farewell through highlights on Wednesday.
Key takeaways
- Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Lionel Messi's farewell match at the Monumental Stadium.
- Messi set up goals for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz and scored a 71st-minute penalty.
- He finishes with a record 208 caps and 126 goals for Argentina.
- Messi won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles with Argentina.
FAQ
What was the score in Messi's last Argentina game? Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 6 October 2026.
How many goals did Messi score for Argentina? He scored 126 goals in 208 appearances, both national records.
Did Messi score in his farewell match? Yes, he scored a penalty in the 71st minute and also provided two assists.
Sources: Al Jazeera, Associated Press, FotMob