Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his illustrious international career in unforgettable fashion, inspiring Argentina to a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
Under the floodlights in Buenos Aires, the Argentina captain delivered one final masterclass for La Albiceleste, contributing two assists before scoring from the penalty spot to cap a night filled with emotion, celebration and history.
Benin frustrated the former fworld champions during a goalless first half, but Argentina eventually broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart.
In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a pinpoint corner into the penalty area, where veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi rose highest to head Argentina into the lead.
Messi then turned provider again in the 61st minute. After dropping into a deeper position, the 39-year-old picked out Nico Paz, who controlled the ball before curling a superb effort into the far top corner to double Argentina’s advantage.
The moment the Monumental had been waiting for arrived 10 minutes later.
After Agustín Giay was brought down inside the penalty area, Argentina were awarded a spot-kick. With the stadium ringing to chants of “Messi! Messi!”, the captain stepped forward and calmly converted to register his 126th international goal.
The goal completed a memorable individual contribution:
48′ — Nicolás Otamendi 1-0 Benin
Assist: Lionel Messi
61′ — Nico Paz 2-0 Benin
Assist: Lionel Messi
71′ — Lionel Messi 3-0 Benin
Penalty
Messi’s final international appearance also added another remarkable chapter to his already extraordinary record.
Across his last 20 international appearances, he finished with 17 goals and 12 assists, producing 29 goal contributions. Argentina have also won all 18 matches since 2023 in which Messi has scored.
His long-term record is equally remarkable. Since 2010, Argentina have lost only once in the 75 matches in which Messi has found the net.
When the final whistle sounded, Messi was presented with the match ball as teammates and supporters celebrated an emotional farewell to the player who has defined an era of Argentine football.
His international journey ends with the ultimate prizes: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, alongside countless records and memories that have secured his place in Argentina’s football history.
For one final time at the Monumental, Argentina’s iconic No. 10 delivered exactly what generations of supporters had come to expect — goals, assists, brilliance and a moment worthy of his legacy.
