Lionel Messi closed out his 21-year international career in historic fashion, scoring once and providing two assists as world champions Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 at the Estadio Mâs Monumental on Tuesday night.
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The match, played on October 6, 2026, was officially designated by FIFA as Messi’s farewell appearance for La Albiceleste.
With his decisive performance against Benin, the 39-year-old team captain leaves the international stage as Argentina’s most-capped player in history with 208 appearances, as well as the nation’s all-time leading goalscorer with 126 goals.
The victory brings an end to an unprecedented era for Argentine football, during which Messi led the nation to multiple major honors, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and consecutive Copa América titles.
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