Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era
Messi capped his 21-year Argentina career with a penalty, two assists and a 3-0 win, leaving with 126 goals and 208 caps.
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career, scoring a penalty and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
- Messi announced his international retirement in August, stating he had "given everything" to Argentina and felt it was the right time to step aside for emerging talent.
- During the match, fans held a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute as tribute to Messi, who concluded his career with record 208 caps and 126 goals for the Albiceleste.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni called Messi's impact "incomparable," while negotiating a contract extension as the team transitions to younger players like Nico Paz following their captain's departure.
- Supporters expressed confidence in Argentina's future, with fan Cristian Versalles describing the transition as a "changing of the guard" and noting excitement for the emerging generation.
1171 Articles
1171 Articles
Lionel Messi wiped away tears on the bus to his final Argentina game, then scored and told fans he wishes he could play forever
As detailed by ESPN, Lionel Messi has ended his 21-year international career with Argentina, scoring in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old played in his 208th match for the national team, the most for any player in his country’s history. About 85,000 supporters filled Monumental Stadium to watch the final match. Messi was seen wiping away tears on the bus as it moved through large crowds of well-wishers on the way to the stadi…
Messi played his last game for Argentina and other top photos from Latin America and the Caribbean
Messi played his last game for Argentina, Brazil’s elections led to a presidential runoff, Venezuela marked 100 days since twin earthquakes devastated the nation, Chileans blessed their pets and Cuban baseball got its first private sponsor.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 39% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium












































