Lionel Messi ended his remarkable 21-year international career on Tuesday, saying an emotional goodbye to Argentina supporters during his final appearance in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old, considered by many to be football’s greatest-ever player, marked the occasion by scoring his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 fans as Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 win over Benin.
Making a record-extending 208th appearance for his country, Messi also set up veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal, while Nico Paz added another.
The result was secondary to the farewell itself, as Messi enjoyed the admiration of the Monumental Stadium crowd for the final time during an occasion promoted as The Last Tango.
Before arriving at the ground, Messi fought back tears while the team bus travelled through large crowds of supporters who had gathered to greet him.
Messi entered the pitch with his three children and was warmly acknowledged by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, from a VIP box.
Just before the match began, an enormous Argentina shirt featuring the word “Gracias” (Thank You) above Messi’s famous No 10 was displayed on the field, drawing a huge response from the crowd.
Messi became emotional once more as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana performed the national anthem beside a banner declaring, “The Malvinas are Argentine.” It was the same message displayed by the players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory against England.
Play stopped during the 10th minute, honoring Messi’s iconic shirt number, as supporters gave the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward a minute-long standing ovation.
He completed the memorable farewell by converting a penalty in the 71st minute.
‘I gave everything I had’
After the final whistle, drones illuminated the sky above the stadium, forming Messi’s image and displaying a message of gratitude to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Messi’s final international appearance took place two and a half months after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey. He left that match in tears following a tense 1-0 defeat in which he struggled to influence proceedings.
“I gave everything I had. There is nothing more I can offer, and a talented new generation deserves the opportunity to step forward,” Messi wrote afterward.
Ahead of Tuesday’s match, the University of Buenos Aires presented Messi with an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.
Messi, who has previously said he wished he had devoted more time to education, spoke proudly about receiving the honor.
“Now I can say that I am an honorary doctor!” he joked.
Supporters outside the Argentine Football Association headquarters displayed a vast national flag featuring Messi’s portrait and the words, “The joy of my life.”
Neymar, his former Barcelona teammate, posted a tribute to Messi on X.
“Argentina is not alone in thanking you. The entire world is grateful for everything you have contributed to football. Thank you for deepening my love for the game,” he wrote.
Messi’s contract with Inter Miami runs through 2028, but after his father Jorge died two months earlier, he suggested that he could retire from club football sooner than originally expected.
His international retirement follows the greatest achievement of his Argentina career four years earlier, when he guided the country to the 2022 World Cup title. The victory ended a 36-year wait for Argentina’s third crown and strengthened comparisons with Diego Maradona.
“Messi gave absolutely everything, so I have no problem with him stepping away. He has earned the right to enjoy life and get some rest,” said Cecilia Adriano, 52.
During Messi’s years with the Albiceleste, Argentina won one World Cup, finished as runners-up twice—in Brazil in 2014 and North America in 2026—and claimed Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.
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