Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional international friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as Lionel Messi brought his illustrious international career to an end. The victory gave Messi a memorable farewell in front of more than 85,000 supporters, with the Argentina captain……
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional international friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as Lionel Messi brought his illustrious international career to an end.
The victory gave Messi a memorable farewell in front of more than 85,000 supporters, with the Argentina captain contributing a goal and two assists in his final appearance for the national team.
The first half ended goalless, with Benin managing to frustrate the hosts despite Argentina creating several opportunities. Messi came close early on, while Benin also threatened through Aiyegun Tosin and Yamirou Ouorou.
The occasion was briefly paused in the 10th minute, corresponding with Messi’s famous No. 10 shirt, as the entire stadium rose to applaud the Argentine great.
Argentina eventually broke the deadlock three minutes after the restart when Messi delivered a corner into the box and Nicolás Otamendi finished from close range to put the hosts 1-0 ahead in the 48th minute.
Messi was again at the heart of the action in the 61st minute, setting up Nico Paz, who struck from outside the box to double Argentina’s advantage.
Benin then conceded a penalty after Agustín Giay was fouled inside the area. Messi stepped up in the 71st minute and calmly converted from the spot to complete the 3-0 victory and cap his final Argentina appearance with a goal.
The goal was Messi’s 126th for Argentina, further extending his record as the country’s all-time leading scorer. The match was also his 208th appearance for the national team, another record.
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For Benin, the defeat brought an end to a difficult evening against the world champions, although the team managed to hold Argentina scoreless for the opening 45 minutes.
The match carried significance beyond the result as Messi formally closed a 21-year international career that saw him become Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. He leaves the national team having won the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.
Messi was visibly emotional before and after the match, with his family, teammates and supporters joining in the farewell celebrations. A giant Argentina No. 10 shirt bearing the word “Gracias” was displayed before the game, while the stadium later hosted a drone show celebrating his career.
After the final whistle, Messi addressed the packed stadium and thanked the supporters who had followed him throughout his international journey.
He ended his Argentina career with 208 appearances and 126 goals, leaving as the country’s most-capped player and leading scorer after helping transform a career once marked by disappointment with the national team into one defined by major international triumphs.
