Lionel Messi has called his time wearing the Argentine shirt "the most wonderful thing that could ever happen to you," a sentiment he voiced after sealing his international farewell with a goal in a 3-0 triumph over Benin on home soil in Buenos Aires. At 39 years of age, Messi bowed out of the national team having amassed 208 senior appearances, the highest tally ever recorded for Argentina, and having netted 126 goals, a record that still stands.
His résumé includes a 2022 FIFA World Cup title and two Copa América crowns, achievements that punctuate a 21‑year saga on the world stage. The evening was charged with emotion. Not only did Messi find the back of the net, he also set up the first two goals of the match. His first assist went to fellow veteran centre‑back Nicolás Otamendi, a 38‑year‑old who, like Messi, is departing the national side.
The second chance was created for youngster Nico Paz, who added a second‑half strike to double Argentina's lead. In remarks quoted by the Argentine Football Association, Messi said he was overwhelmed by a flood of feelings. "The first thing that comes to mind is my father," he said, referring to the man who passed away earlier in the year. "I can only express my gratitude; it has been a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for more than two decades.
I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I swear to you, I would love to come back for life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you." The match itself unfolded with a tight first half.
Benin, despite being clear underdogs, threatened to upset the script, but they failed to capitalize on any of their chances. The deadlock was broken when Otamendi headed home after a Messi corner was not cleared by the visitors.
The goal gave the home side a 1‑0 advantage and set the tone for the remainder of the game. In the second half, Nico Paz extended the lead in the 61st minute, striking from the edge of the box after receiving a well‑timed pass from Messi.
The Argentine side seemed in control, but the drama was not over. A clumsy challenge by Benin defender Tamimou Ouorou on midfielder Agustín Giay earned a penalty.
Messi stepped up and, with the composure that has defined his career, slotted the ball into the top corner, sealing a 3‑0 victory and his own farewell goal. Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni, could barely contain his admiration for his captain.
"It’s been a dream come true," he said. "I never imagined I would have the privilege of coaching the greatest footballer in history. We are eternally grateful to him for allowing us to share this journey. The tears I shed tonight are a mixture of pride, gratitude and the knowledge that we will no longer see him on the pitch.
He leaves behind an incredible legacy that will inspire generations to come. The feeling of having Messi on your side is incomparable – I have never witnessed such an aura in anyone else." Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football. Over two decades, he transformed the national team from a squad that often fell short on the biggest stages into a dominant force capable of winning the world’s most coveted trophies. His style of play—characterized by effortless dribbling, pinpoint passing and an uncanny sense of positioning—redefined what it meant to be a forward in modern football.
Beyond the statistics, Messi embodied a spirit of humility and perseverance that resonated with fans across the globe. The emotional weight of the night was amplified by personal milestones. Messi had announced his retirement after the 2023 World Cup, a decision influenced in part by the passing of his father earlier that summer. The farewell match offered a poignant platform to honor both his footballing achievements and the personal loss that shaped his final months in the shirt.
While the 3‑0 scoreline reflected Argentina’s superiority, the match also served as a symbolic passing of the torch. Young talents like Nico Paz, who contributed a goal, will now carry the hopes of a nation that has tasted both heartbreak and ecstasy under Messi’s guidance.
The Argentine federation will face the challenge of building a new identity without the man who has been its centerpiece for more than twenty years. In the broader context of world football, Messi’s departure joins the ranks of other legendary exits, such as those of Pelé and Diego Maradona, each leaving an indelible imprint on the sport. Yet, Messi’s story is uniquely modern—spanning the rise of social media, the globalization of club football, and a career that saw him excel in both Barcelona’s La Liga dominance and Paris Saint‑Germain’s Ligue 1 campaigns before returning to his roots in the United States with Inter Miami. As fans around the world replayed his final moments on the field, the consensus was clear: Messi’s influence will endure far beyond his final whistle.
His legacy is not merely measured in goals or caps, but in the inspiration he sparked in countless youngsters who now dream of emulating his grace, work ethic, and love for the game. The night concluded with a heartfelt ovation from the Buenos Aires crowd, a fitting tribute to a player whose name has become synonymous with excellence. While the stadium lights dimmed, the memory of Messi’s final goal—an elegant finish that capped a storied career—will continue to shine brightly in the annals of football history. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £1m!
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