--- title: "Lionel Messi plays final international match for Argentina" url: https://newscentral.site/lionel-messi-plays-final-international-match-for-argentina/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "World" published: 2026-10-07T01:59:10.000Z updated: 2026-10-07T09:39:49.001Z id: 237e9d2f-8ace-4fa7-b6d7-e3a1df432464 source: "France 24 English https://www.france24.com/en/sport/20261007-messi-bids-farewell-to-argentina-fans-in-emotional-international-finale" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/lionel-messi-plays-final-international-match-for-argentina/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Lionel Messi plays final international match for Argentina Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina fans in a 3-0 win over Benin, scoring one goal and providing an assist. Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina fans in an emotional final international appearance on Tuesday, scoring in a 3-0 win over Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium. The 39-year-old football legend played his record-extending 208th international match, bringing the curtain down on a storied career that has spanned two decades. Messi's impressive display was met with adoration from the 85,000-strong crowd, who celebrated the end of a remarkable era in Argentine football history. Messi scored one goal and provided an assist for another as Argentina cruised to victory over Benin, but it was clear that the match itself was secondary to the occasion. The event had been billed as 'The Last Tango', with Messi set to hang up his international boots after a glittering career that has yielded numerous accolades. In front of his family, including wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini, who watched from a VIP box, Messi took the field alongside his three children. The emotional moment was heightened as the bus carrying him and his Argentina team-mates made its way through crowds of wellwishers en route to the stadium. The pre-match scenes were just as poignant, with Messi wiping away tears as he prepared for what would be his final international appearance. As Lionel Messi prepared for what would be his last international appearance, the emotional atmosphere at the stadium reached a fever pitch. A massive Argentina jersey bearing the word "Gracias above Messi's iconic number 10 was laid out on the pitch, prompting a thunderous response from the crowd. The pre-match ceremony saw Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana singing the national anthem alongside a banner reading The Malvinas are Argentine, echoing the sentiment that resonated after Argentina's World Cup semi-final victory over England. This poignant moment only added to the emotional weight of the occasion. Play was halted in the 10th minute, coinciding with Messi's famous shirt number, for a standing ovation in his honor. The crowd's applause echoed through the stadium as they paid tribute to the legendary footballer who has left an indelible mark on the sport. Messi capped off the night with a decisive penalty kick in the 71st minute, silencing any doubts about his legacy. As the final whistle blew, the sky above the stadium erupted into a kaleidoscope of colors as a drone show displayed Messi's image and expressed gratitude for his illustrious career. The tribute was a fitting culmination to Messi's international farewell, which comes on the heels of Argentina's World Cup defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will undoubtedly be remembered for generations to come, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his impressive playing career. In a ceremony held at the Argentine Football Association headquarters, Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires before his final international game against Australia. This distinction is particularly meaningful for Messi, who has expressed regret in the past about not having pursued more education. The honorary doctorate was a nod to Messi's remarkable contributions to football, and he seemed genuinely proud to receive it. In a lighthearted moment during the ceremony, Messi joked that he felt honored to be able to say he held an honorary doctoral degree. Outside the AFA headquarters, fans gathered to pay tribute to their beloved player. A massive Argentine flag was unfurled, bearing an image of Messi and inscribed with the phrase The joy of my life." The outpouring of support from the fans only added to the emotional atmosphere surrounding Messi's farewell match. Neymar, a former Barcelona teammate of Messi's, took to social media to pay tribute to his departing friend. In a heartfelt message on X, Neymar thanked Messi not just for his contributions to Argentina but also for inspiring a love of football in people around the world. Messi's international career has come to an end, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come. His departure from Argentina's national team marks the end of an era, particularly given his significant contributions over the years. In addition to leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022, Messi also won the Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, showcasing his exceptional skills on the field. This remarkable achievement adds to the impressive list of accolades he accumulated during his time with the Albiceleste. The decision to retire from international football is a personal one, but it's clear that Messi has earned the right to enjoy himself after decades dedicated to the sport. --- Source: [France 24 English](https://www.france24.com/en/sport/20261007-messi-bids-farewell-to-argentina-fans-in-emotional-international-finale) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/lionel-messi-plays-final-international-match-for-argentina/