Lionel Messi ended his international career with Argentina on October 6, 2026, finishing with 126 goals and 208 appearances. In his final match, a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental de Ñunez in Buenos Aires, Messi recorded one goal and two assists, contributing to every single score of the game.
Messi leads national team in goals and appearances
Messi leaves the national team as the all-time leader in both goals and appearances for the Albiceleste. While one report lists his final tally at 126 goals and 70 assists in 208 matches, Conmebol reports the assist count at 68. ESPN Brasil provided a slightly different pre-match count, noting he entered the game with 125 goals and 68 assists.
His career spans over two decades, beginning officially in 2005 with a U-20 World Cup title, according to Conmebol. His trophy cabinet includes a World Cup, two CONMEBOL Copa América titles, a Finalissima, and an Olympic gold medal. He also holds the record for the most goals in South American Qualifiers with 36 and the most appearances in World Cup history across six tournaments. His success includes the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and the 2022 Finalissima. His journey with the national team also included the 2007 Copa América.
Did you know? The farewell ceremony included a drone show over the Monumental stadium that projected Messi’s image kicking a ball alongside the World Cup trophy, as reported by ESPN Brasil.
Argentina defeats Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires
The match began with a scoreless first half dominated by the performance of Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou. The visitor’s keeper stopped Messi on at least three occasions, while Benin created two significant threats: a missed shot by Junior Olaitan and a long-range strike that forced a save from Dibu Martínez. Julian Álvarez also nearly scored at the end of the first half.
Argentina broke the deadlock early in the second half when Nicolás Otamendi scored from a Messi corner. UOL reports that Nico Paz amplified the lead in the 16th minute with a left-footed strike following an assist from Messi. The Como midfielder advanced with freedom to hit a shot that left the Benin keeper without a chance. Messi placed the ball in the angle for his final goal for Argentina.
The game concluded with a final attempt from a free kick by Messi that went over the bar, according to ESPN Brasil.
Contrasting reports on Messi’s final impact
The accounts of the match highlight different aspects of the farewell. One report focuses on the emotional weight of the event, noting Messi was in tears during the national anthem and received a standing ovation from 80,000 fans in the 10th minute. In contrast, UOL and ESPN Brasil provide a more tactical breakdown of the scoring sequence and the specific timing of substitutions, such as Nico Paz replacing Rodrigo De Paul just one minute before scoring. Paz received the ball from Messi and scored from the edge of the area.
Tactical Note: Despite the 3-0 scoreline, Benin’s defense remained resilient enough to prevent a larger rout, leading the visitors to switch goalkeepers immediately after Messi’s penalty goal.
Argentina’s transition for November fixtures
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has not yet announced the opponents or dates for the next FIFA date in November. This window will mark the first time in 20 years that Argentina will compete without Messi in the squad. Argentina will need to find new solutions for the November window.
Common Questions About Messi’s Retirement
How many World Cups did Messi play in?
Messi participated in six World Cups: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026, according to Conmebol.
Who scored the goals in the Benin match?
The goals were scored by Nicolás Otamendi, Nico Paz, and Lionel Messi, as detailed in the UOL technical sheet.
Where did the farewell match take place?
The match was held at the Más Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The Argentine Football Association has yet to disclose the schedule or opponents for the November international window.
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