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 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin in his final match.
- Stating he had "nothing left to give," Messi announced his international retirement in August after an extraordinary career that included the 2022 World Cup title and 126 international goals.
- During the farewell, centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz scored from Messi assists before he converted a 71st-minute penalty, delighting 85,000 fans with a fairytale ending.
- National coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the No. 10 jersey would remain unassigned until Messi's match, signaling the team's transition while emphasizing Argentina will maintain competitive standards.
- Emerging talents Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores represent Argentina's next generation as the team prepares for the 2028 Copa América following Messi's departure.
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Lionel Messi has 'saddest day in my career' as he calls time on Argentina
Lionel Messi has called his Argentina farewell the ‘saddest day in my career’ as the South American side beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old ends his international career with 208 senior caps, the most of any player in the team’s history, with his 126 goals for Argentina also a record. Messi won the […]
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).
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