Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era
The 39-year-old captain concluded his 21-year international career with 208 appearances, ending decades of Argentina's wait for major trophy success.
- On Tuesday, Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina, scoring a penalty and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin before 85,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- Having announced his retirement in August 2026, Messi concluded a 21-year tenure with 208 caps and 126 goals, capped by a 2022 World Cup victory that cemented his legacy as Argentina's greatest player.
- During the 10th minute, play paused to honor Messi's famous jersey number with a minute-long ovation; a post-match drone show later illuminated his image above the stadium as tributes flooded in.
- Calling the feeling of having him on the pitch 'unique' and 'incomparable,' Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to his captain as teammates embraced in celebration of Messi's historic final appearance.
- Young midfielder Nico Paz, who scored against Benin, symbolizes the emerging generation poised to sustain Argentina's competitive level beyond the Messi era as the national team enters its next chapter.
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A goal, two templates and another big Messi show. Argentina emotionally said goodbye to his captain. Messi addressed important words to his successors. No one wanted to go, no one really wanted Lionel Messi to let go. In the night sky of Buenos Aires his face shone with the World Cup. The fans in the sold-out football temple of River Plate clapped and fought with the tears, Messi wiped his eyes. The fellow players stood beside it. "No more being…
The eight-time world footballer is once again best man on the lawn against Benin and changes to his new regular place in the Pantheon of the nation. For Argentina a new time begins.
'I Don't Want This Moment To End' - Messi's Final Game Had Goats, Crying And A Standing Ovation, So, Yeah, Perfect For The Best Player We've Ever Seen
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Lionel Messi has played his last match for Argentina. On Tuesday, Argentine fans, many overcome with emotion, said goodbye to the footballer who brought them both sorrow and joy over the past decades.
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