Lionel Messi Prepares for His Final Match for Argentina
- On Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina, leading the team to a 3-0 victory over Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires and concluding a 21-year career with 208 caps and 126 goals.
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni orchestrated the farewell friendly to honor Messi after he announced his international retirement in August following the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.
- During the match, Messi recorded two assists and converted a 71st-minute penalty, while fans honored his iconic jersey number with a tribute in the 10th minute of play.
- Scaloni confirmed that defender Cristian Romero will inherit the captain's armband, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and forward Lautaro Martínez next in the captaincy hierarchy.
- Emerging talents like midfielder Nicolás Paz and winger Franco Mastantuono are contributing to the squad, demonstrating Argentina's successful generational transition beyond the Messi era.
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Lionel Messi retired from the Argentine national team following a friendly match against Benin. In his final game, Messi recorded one goal and two assists, leading his team to a 3-0 victory. He officially concluded his dedicated international career with a record of 126 goals and 70 assists in 208 matches.
Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.
Messi shines in Argentina farewell, ends 21-year career with goal and assist
Messi leaves the international stage as the most decorated figure in Argentine football history, having made 207 appearances, scored 126 goals and provided 66 assists, all records for La Albiceleste.
Argentina Vs Benin Live Score, Lionel Messi Farewell Match Updates: Nico Paz Strikes Moments After Coming On, La Albiceleste Lead 2-0
Argentina Vs Benin Live Score, International Friendly 2026: Follow Argentina vs Benin live score, updates and highlights as Lionel Messi prepares for a landmark farewell in Buenos Aires, with Argentina aiming to continue their strong form
Lionel Messi is about to close one of the most important chapters of his career.The captain of the Albiceleste plays his last match with the Argentina National Team on Tuesday, October 6 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.The game against Benin will have a special meaning for the footballer, who arrives at 208 games with Argentina after more than two decades defending the national shirt.The AFA prepares a ceremony to fire number 10, who i…
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