Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina National Team with a Goal and Victory Against Benin

On Tuesday, Lionel Messi concluded over two decades with the Argentina national team in a near-perfect farewell: a goal, two assists, and a 3-0 victory over Benin in a packed Monumental Stadium, where fans gathered to bid farewell to the Albiceleste captain.

The emotional day began long before the match. Messi shared on social media a poignant image of himself kissing the Argentine jersey with the caption, "Thank you, Argentina." The day prior, he posted several photos from his last practice session with the team, writing, "Special moments that I know I will miss..." He also expressed the weight of his departure in a video released ahead of the game.

"The moment has come. I'm at peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream, my pride, and my life," the football star conveyed, expressing gratitude for the love he received and acknowledging he would miss his time with the national team.

Stepping onto the Monumental pitch with his children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, Messi couldn't hold back tears during the national anthem, as the stands prepared to witness his final moments in the iconic sky-blue and white jersey.

A Memorable Tribute on the Field

The tribute extended into the match itself. At the 10th minute, referee Fernando Véjar paused the game, allowing the stadium's 85,000 spectators to give a standing ovation to the historic number 10. Even players from Benin approached to pay their respects amid fireworks.

Following a goalless first half, Argentina broke the deadlock at 48 minutes. Messi delivered a corner kick, and Nicolás Otamendi, also playing his last match for the national team, scored to make it 1-0.

Then, at 61 minutes, Messi was in the spotlight again. He passed the ball near the box to Nico Paz, who struck with his left foot to double Argentina's lead with the second goal of the match.

The Perfect Farewell Image

The moment everyone awaited came after a foul on Agustín Giay inside the box. Messi stepped up to take the penalty, scoring with a left-footed shot into the corner, marking his 126th goal for Argentina. His teammates rushed to embrace him in a joyous celebration.

Thus, the Rosario native concluded his final international match with direct involvement in all three goals: two assists and a penalty that sealed the victory.

After the match, the Argentine Football Association released images of the captain surrounded by his teammates, summing up the farewell with the phrase: "Never leave us. Thank you for everything, Leo."

Emotional Words from the Captain

Messi addressed the crowd following the game, delivering some of his most heartfelt remarks. "I'm feeling so many emotions. The first thing that comes to mind is my father. I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honor to wear this jersey for over 20 years," the captain said, as reported by the AFA.

He added that, despite retiring from international play, he would continue to support the team. "I will miss defending the national team colors, but I will always back these guys and those who come after. Always united," he asserted.

Though Messi had announced his international retirement post-2026 World Cup, he agreed to play this final friendly organized by the AFA as an official farewell to the Argentine public. The match against Benin concluded a 21-year journey with the senior national team.

His tenure boasts significant achievements, including the 2022 Qatar World Cup, the Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima victory against Italy at Wembley, as well as the 2005 U-20 World Cup and the 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medal.

The night ended with Messi embraced by his teammates and receiving one last ovation from the Monumental. Argentina won, but the score was secondary to the emotional farewell of the player who donned the number 10 jersey for more than two decades.