Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest footballer in history, has officially concluded his international career with Argentina. The 39-year-old marked his final appearance for the national team by securing a 3-0 victory against Benin in Buenos Aires. Throughout a storied 21-year tenure on the international stage, Messi achieved legendary status, highlighted by his 2022 World Cup triumph and two Copa America titles.
His final match was defined by a characteristically influential performance. After a scoreless opening half where Benin proved resilient, Messi orchestrated the breakthrough by assisting 38-year-old defender Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal. He continued to dictate play in the second half, providing the assist for Nico Paz to double the lead in the 61st minute. The final moment arrived when Messi converted a penalty after a foul on Agustin Giay, blasting the ball into the top corner to cap his international scoring record. On an emotional night, Messi also created the first two goals, assisting first another departing Argentina player in 38-year-old centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and then Nico Paz. “I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. After a goalless first half in which Benin threatened not to stick to the script, Otamendi fired home after the visitors failed to clear a Messi corner. Paz doubled Argentina’s lead from the edge of the area after 61 minutes and inevitably Messi had the last word when Tamimou Ouorou’s clumsy challenge on Agustin Giay resulted in a penalty, which the Inter Miami forward blasted into the top corner.
International Career Milestones
- Total senior caps: 208, an all-time record for Argentina.
- Total international goals: 126, setting a new team benchmark.
- Retirement context: The decision followed the conclusion of the summer World Cup and the passing of his father.
- Final words: Messi described representing his country as the most wonderful experience possible, noting the heavy emotional weight of the farewell.
Reflecting on his departure, Messi expressed immense gratitude, stating that wearing the Argentina jersey for over two decades was an incredible honor. He admitted the difficulty of walking away, noting that he would have liked to remain for his entire life given the deep connection he felt to the national squad. I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.
Tributes From Peers and Staff
The Argentine camp was visibly moved by the occasion, with many teammates emotional as they bid farewell to their captain. Head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke candidly about the experience of managing a player of Messi’s caliber. Lionel Messi: Every word from emotional farewell speech as Argentina stars reduced to tears.
- Lionel Scaloni: “It has been a dream come true to coach the greatest footballer in history. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him. His aura is entirely unique; I have never witnessed anything like it in my life.”
- Neymar: The Brazilian star and former Barcelona teammate honored Messi on social media, thanking him for his immense contribution to global football and for pushing him to love the sport even more deeply through their shared history on the pitch.
As the international community acknowledges his legacy, discussions have already turned toward the future of the Argentina team and the eventual successor to the iconic number 10 jersey. While fans mourn the end of an era, the focus remains on the resilience and record-breaking career that defined Messi’s time in the Albiceleste kit.
