Argentina bids Messi farewell in final national team match, ending an era
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career by scoring one goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental.
- Messi announced his international retirement on August 31 following Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain, prompting the Argentine Football Association to organize this farewell match.
- During the farewell match, fans honored Messi with a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute, celebrating his record-breaking 208 appearances and 126 international goals.
- Defender Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the captain's armband, while coach Lionel Scaloni integrates young talents like Nicolás Paz into the post-Messi squad.
- Argentina aims to sustain success without its most decorated player, focusing on the 2028 Copa America as the squad evolves into a new post-Messi tactical identity.
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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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