Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, leading Argentina to a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin before 85,000 fans.
- The 39-year-old superstar formally announced his international retirement in August following Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain, deciding it was time for a new generation to lead.
- Recording a goal and two assists, Messi finished with a record 126 goals and 208 appearances, while play paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the No. 10 shirt will remain vacant for now, while defender Cristian Romero is set to inherit the captain's armband.
- As Scaloni negotiates a four-year contract extension, Argentina pivots toward emerging talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono to compete in the 2028 Copa América.
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Who Inherits Messi's No. 10? Argentina Star Breaks Down in Tears Ahead of Emotional Farewell Match
Football superstar Lionel Messi was seen breaking down in tears while on the bus carrying the Argentina team to Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, 6 October 2026. It was Messi's final game for the national team, dubbed 'The Night That No One Wants to End.' Argentina faced Benin in an international friendly in front of a sold-out stadium, which has a seating capacity of 85,018. Tickets for the match sold out within 90 minutes of g…
Lionel Messi officially ended his career in the Argentine national team. In the farewell match, the legendary striker scored a goal and gave away two goals, after which he addressed the fans
At 39, the octuple Ballon d'or played Tuesday the whole friendly match against Benin in front of more than 80,000 spectators at the Monumental. He scored on penalty and delivered two decisive passes in a World Cup atmosphereRepetition ovations, looping songs, tears and of course... a goal and decisive passes. Lionel Messi, Argentina's idol of football, played Tuesday his last minutes with the Albiceleste in an atmosphere of fever mixing gratitud…
Karim Bennani looks back at the emotion of Lionel Messi, who played his last match with Argentina. On Tuesday night, he scored his 126th and final goal with the Albiceleste. The Argentine genius is now pursuing his club career at Inter Miami. (Sports).
"La Pulga" played his last game with the Albiceleste against Benin on 6 October 2026 in Buenos Aires.
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