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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.
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Messi played his last game for Argentina and other top photos from Latin America and the Caribbean

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·Calhoun, United States
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Todo Noticias broke the news in Argentina on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
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