Lionel Messi reflected on his time wearing the Argentine shirt as "the most wonderful thing that can happen to you" after capping off his international career with a goal in a 3‑0 triumph over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39‑year‑old legend departed the national team having amassed 208 senior appearances, the highest tally in the country's history, and his 126 goals also remain an unbeaten record. Throughout a 21‑year odyssey on the world stage, Messi lifted the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy and secured two Copa América titles, cementing his status as one of the all‑time greats. The evening was charged with emotion.
In addition to scoring the final goal, Messi was directly involved in the first two strikes, delivering assists to fellow veteran centre‑back Nicolás Otamendi – who is also bidding farewell to the national side – and to young forward Nico Paz. "I feel a flood of emotions," Messi told the Argentine Football Association after announcing his retirement following the summer World Cup and the passing of his father. "The first person I think of is my dad.
I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for more than two decades." He continued, "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 began cautiously, with a goalless first half in which Benin threatened to upset the expected script.
The deadlock was broken when Otamendi headed home after a Messi corner was not cleared properly by the visitors. Six minutes into the second half, Paz doubled the lead with a strike from the edge of the box, and the inevitable climax arrived when a clumsy challenge by Benin defender Tamimou Ouorou on Agustín Giay earned a penalty. Messi stepped up and smashed the ball into the top corner, sealing the 3‑0 victory.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his captain, saying, "It's been a dream come true. I never imagined I would coach the greatest footballer in history. We are eternally grateful to him for giving us the chance to share the field with him. The tears are because so many memories are rushing through my mind.
Not seeing him anymore will be sad; he leaves us with an incredible legacy. The feeling of having Messi on your side is incomparable – I've never witnessed that aura in anyone else in my life." Messi's farewell match was more than a statistical milestone; it was a narrative of perseverance, humility, and an unbreakable bond with his nation. From his debut as a teenager in 2005, when he first stepped onto the pitch in a friendly against Hungary, the young forward quickly became the focal point of Argentina's attack. Over the years, he endured criticism for not delivering a major trophy, a burden that finally lifted with the 2021 Copa América victory, where he was named the tournament's best player.
That triumph was followed by the crowning achievement of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Messi captained a side that blended seasoned veterans with emerging talents, culminating in a dramatic final against France that will be remembered for generations. Beyond the trophies, Messi's influence extended to the cultural fabric of Argentine society. His humility off the field, his dedication to charitable causes, and his devotion to his family resonated deeply with fans. The image of him hugging his father before matches, the quiet moments spent with his son Thiago, and his frequent visits to community projects in Rosario painted a portrait of a man who never lost sight of his roots despite global fame.
The final match also highlighted the passing of the torch to the next generation. Players like Nico Paz, who netted the second goal, and other young talents such as Julian Álvarez and Enzo Fernández, showcased the promise that will carry Argentina forward. Messi's assist to Otamendi, a fellow veteran making his last appearance, symbolized the bridging of eras – a seasoned defender and a youthful forward sharing the stage under the watchful eye of a legend.
In the post‑match press conference, Messi expressed a mixture of pride and melancholy. He thanked the coaching staff, the medical team, and the countless supporters who filled the stadium and followed the team from distant corners of the globe. He also paid tribute to his teammates, emphasizing that every victory was a collective effort.
"I couldn't have done any of this without the men beside me," he said, gesturing toward the squad. "Their belief, their work ethic, and their love for the country made every moment possible." Looking ahead, Messi hinted at future involvement with Argentine football, though not as a player.
He mentioned the possibility of mentoring young players, participating in ambassadorial roles, and supporting the development of grassroots programs. While his boots will no longer tread the grass of La Bombonera or the Estadio Monumental, his legacy will continue to inspire aspiring footballers across the nation.
The night concluded with a standing ovation that lasted several minutes, fans chanting his name, waving flags, and holding up scarves bearing his iconic number 10. The emotional weight of the occasion was palpable, as generations of supporters reflected on the joy, heartbreak, and triumphs that defined Messi's era. In the annals of football history, his farewell will be remembered not just for the statistics, but for the profound connection between a player and his country—a bond that transcended sport and entered the realm of national identity.
As the stadium lights dimmed and the Argentine team celebrated their victory, Messi stood on the sidelines, a smile playing on his lips, aware that a chapter had closed while another, equally meaningful, was about to begin.