Messi bids Argentina farewell with a goal and two assists in 3-0 win over Benin

Lionel Messi ended 21 years of international football on Tuesday at El Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored a penalty, provided two assists and received the affection of 85,000 supporters as Argentina eased to a 3-0 win over Benin.

• Messi played his 208th international and scored his 126th goal for Argentina.
• Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz were the other scorers in the 3-0 victory.
• The game was paused in the 10th minute for a minute-long ovation in honor of his jersey number.
• The University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate before kickoff.

Penalty goal and two assists on a night built for farewell

The forward, widely regarded as the greatest player in football history, converted a spot kick in the 71st minute. Earlier he had set up veteran Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal, and Nico Paz also found the net with Messi involved in the buildup.

The result was a footnote to an occasion billed as The Last Tango. Messi, who extended his record to 208 caps, was constantly applauded and delivered the scripted finale the fans had dreamed of for their 2022 world champion.

Tears, flags and a 10th-minute tribute

Before the match, Messi wiped away tears as the team bus made its way through crowds of supporters around the stadium. He walked onto the pitch with his three children and received waves from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who were watching from a VIP box.

A giant Argentina jersey with the word 'Gracias' above his No. 10 was laid out on the pitch shortly before kickoff. Messi welled up again as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner reading 'The Malvinas are Argentine', the same one players held up after the World Cup semifinal win over England.

Ten minutes into the game, play was stopped for a minute of applause in tribute to his famous shirt number. At the final whistle, a drone show lit up the night sky with Messi's image and a thank-you message for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Honorary doctorate: an academic send-off before football

Hours earlier, the University of Buenos Aires recognized Messi with an honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. The player, who has previously said he regretted not studying more, expressed pride in the distinction and joked about his new academic title.

Outside the AFA building, fans unfurled a massive Argentine flag with his image and the phrase 'The joy of my life'.

When Messi decided to retire from international football

The farewell came two and a half months after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, a feisty 1-0 loss in which Messi left in tears with little impact on the game. After that match he explained he had given everything and that talented young players deserved their chance.

His international retirement arrives four years after his greatest triumph: the 2022 World Cup title that ended Argentina's 36-year wait and cemented his status as Diego Maradona's heir.

Messi's Argentina trophy cabinet and farewell reactions

With Argentina, Messi won one World Cup, was runner-up in Brazil 2014 and North America 2026, and lifted the Copa América in 2021 and 2024. His contract with Inter Miami runs until 2028, although after the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago he hinted he could retire from football sooner than expected.

Former Barcelona teammate Neymar paid tribute on social media: "It is not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love this sport even more."

Among the fans at El Monumental, the feeling was unanimous. Cecilia Adriano, 52, summed up the mood: Messi gave absolutely everything, so his departure does not bother anyone; he has more than earned it and deserves to rest.

Frequently asked questions about Messi's Argentina farewell