Lionel Messi Prepares for His Final Match for Argentina
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career, scoring one goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in his final appearance at Monumental Stadium.
- The 39-year-old cemented his status as Diego Maradona's heir, having led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and ended a 36-year wait for the trophy. He previously announced retirement in 2016 before reversing that decision.
- Fans honored the superstar in the 10th minute with a standing ovation for his iconic shirt number. A post-match drone show displayed his image, capping an event billed as "The Last Tango."
- After the match, Messi addressed supporters, telling fans, "It was a source of great pride for me to wear this jersey." He celebrated on the pitch with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and three children.
- Despite retiring from international duty, the forward remains under contract with Major League Soccer club Inter Miami until 2028. Following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, Messi indicated he may conclude his professional career sooner than anticipated.
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Lionel Messi scores in final Argentina appearance as Inter Miami star bows out from international football
Lionel Messi scored on his final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 win over Benin as the star bowed out of international football. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who announced his retirement from international football after losing the World Cup final, was invited to play in the friendly to celebrate his career, with all his teammates from Argentina’s triumphant 2022 World Cup squad also invited.Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of …
The Argentine football team beat Benin's 3-0 team in a friendly match that was the last for Lionel Messi on the national team, held in Buenos Aires and concluded with 3-0 in favour of the hosts, gave the RIA News. Nicholas Othamendi (48 minutes), Nicholas Paz (61), who carried out the penalization of Lionel Messi (71), took the team to the field with the captain's bandage, played the entire game, scored the goal, and gave two performances. The m…
A night of tears, emotions as Lionel Messi signs off with one last goal for Argentina in farewell match
Ahead of the match, Messi was seen wiping away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina teammates made its way through crowds of supporters on the way to the stadium.
39-year-old Lionel Messi led Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin. Messi's final international match ended in a standing ovation.
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