Fans Erupt As Lionel Messi Scores In His Final Match For Argentina | Watch

Last Updated:October 07, 2026, 06:53 IST

Lionel Messi scored a penalty in his final international appearance, leading Argentina to a win over Benin in an emotional farewell at Monumental Stadium.

Lionel Messi (center) celebrates after scoring Argentina’s third goal. (AP Photo)

With thousands cheering from the stands, Lionel Messi did not disappoint on his Argentina farewell, converting a spot kick against Benin in his final international appearance to send home fans into delirium. In an emotional farewell at a sold-out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Messi is bidding goodbye to international football and thus drawing curtains on his storied Argentina career.

Messi scored in the 71st minute to triple Argentina’s lead over Benin in an international friendly on Tuesday (Wednesday morning in India).

The 39-year-old was in tears in the team bus while it was en route to the venue where a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” (Thank You) above his iconic No.10 was laid out on the pitch as 85000 fans in the stands cheered.

And then before the Argentine national anthem was to begin, Messi again broke into tears as he tried to come to terms with the end of his international career that saw him leading his country to a memorable FIFA World Cup title triumph in 2022.

Messi had announced his retirement from international football earlier this year in August, ending a career that spanned over two decades, encompassed 207* matches and a record 125* goals.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” coach Lionel Scaloni said in the build-up to the momentous fixture.

Besides Messi, Argentina’s vice-captain and defender Nicolas Otamendi is also retiring from international football on Tuesday.

During international career, Messi’s Argentina won one World Cup, finished runners-up twice (in Brazil 2014 and North America 2026) besides winning Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

The captain’s armband will go to Cristian Romero but it’s not yet clear who will inherit the no. 10 jersey. “Until Leo’s game, we won’t give the number 10 to anyone. After that, we’ll see,” said Scaloni.

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

What match did Lionel Messi play in for his final international appearance with Argentina?

Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina against Benin in an international friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

When did Lionel Messi announce his retirement from international football?

Lionel Messi officially announced his retirement from international football in August 2026, ending a career that spanned over two decades, 207 matches, and a record 125 goals.

Which major international tournament titles did Lionel Messi win with Argentina?

During his legendary international career, Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Feroz Khan

Feroz Khan has been covering sports for over 12 years now and is currently working with Network18 as Principal Correspondent. He embarked on his journey in 2011 and has since acquired vast experience …Read More

Read More