Football icon Lionel Messi has retired from international football after playing his final farewell match for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Argentina.
Messi’s last dance came in his 208th and final Argentina appearance, where he scored a goal and provided two assists as Lionel Scaloni’s team beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental.
The 3-0 victory not only marked a winning farewell to the Argentine national team at El Monumental—a venue that will leave him with incredible memories.
Legends farewell
Beyond unforgettable nights in World Cup qualifiers and celebrating the four major titles he won with the Albiceleste, the Rosario native retires undefeated across the 29 matches he played at the stadium, where he scored some of the most crucial goals of his career.
The lead-up to the match was truly remarkable and colourful. As part of a fitting tribute, the match was paused in the 10th minute to honour the forward.
The timing matched his iconic shirt number, which he wore for Argentina for most of his career until his retirement. Before kickoff, a helicopter flew a giant No. 10 jersey through the skies over Rosario, Messi’s hometown, paying homage to the icon ahead of his final bow.
One last goal for Argentina
Back on the pitch in a night filled with emotion, the greatest Argentine ever had time to do what he does best: score. In the 70th minute, from the penalty spot, he found the back of the net for the last time wearing the Argentine national team jersey.
The game ultimately concluded with Chilean referee Fernando Véjar handing Messi the match ball following his final game for the national team.
Speaking after the match, Messi made an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi: Messi father passed on just after the World Cup in North America.
“There are so many emotions today, but the first person I think of is my father,” he said.
He also shared his journey with the national team, having made his debut over two centuries ago.
Overall, the former Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami star finished his legendary international career with 208 matches, 126 goals, and 69 assists.
