The curtain has officially fallen on Lionel Messi’s legendary international career. The Argentina captain signed off in style on Tuesday night, October 6, 2026, leading the Albiceleste to a 3-0 victory over Benin at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Fittingly, the 39-year-old maestro stamped his final match with a classic performance, contributing two assists and capping the night with a trademark penalty in the 71st minute for his 126th international goal. Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz had earlier put the world champions comfortably in control.
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Lionel Messi’s Emotional end to an incredible career
Surrounded by 85,000 adoring supporters – and joined on the occasion by his wife and sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro – an emotional Messi addressed the crowd after the final whistle. Reflecting on a remarkable 21-year journey that yielded a FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles, and a Finalissima, Messi described pulling on the national jersey as the greatest privilege of his life.
The night concluded with an elaborate tribute featuring fireworks, lights, music, and a drone display, bidding a tearful farewell to a player who completely transformed modern football.
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