Leo Messi’s final chapter with Argentina has ended in fitting fashion, with the captain producing a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old played his 208th and final international match, bringing down the……
Leo Messi’s final chapter with Argentina has ended in fitting fashion, with the captain producing a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old played his 208th and final international match, bringing down the curtain on a 21-year journey with the national team.
The farewell had been anticipated for weeks after Messi announced his decision to retire from international football. More than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental for an occasion that was built around celebrating the career of Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer. Messi was visibly emotional before kick-off, while the match was paused in the 10th minute for a special ovation in recognition of his iconic No. 10 shirt.
On the pitch, Messi delivered one final masterclass. He created Argentina’s opening goal for Nicolás Otamendi from a corner in the 48th minute, supplied the assist for Nico Paz to make it 2-0 in the 61st, before converting a penalty in the 71st minute for his 126th international goal. He finished his Argentina career with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 67 assists, according to several post-match statistical accounts.
Lionel Messi’s Argentina Career in Numbers
1. 208 appearances
Messi finished as Argentina’s most-capped player after making 208 appearances for the senior national team. His international journey began on August 17, 2005, against Hungary and ended more than 21 years later against Benin.
2. 126 goals
Messi is Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer. His final goal came from the penalty spot against Benin, taking his international tally to 126.
He scored across friendlies, World Cup qualifiers, Copa América tournaments and six World Cups, establishing himself as one of the most prolific goalscorers in international football.
3. 67 assists
Messi also ended his Argentina career with 67 assists, with his final two coming against Benin.
His corner set up Otamendi for Argentina’s opener before he created the second goal for Nico Paz, ensuring he was directly involved in all three goals in his farewell appearance.
4. One FIFA World Cup
Messi finally lifted the World Cup with Argentina at Qatar 2022.
The triumph came after years of disappointment with the national team and followed Argentina’s victory over France in the final, where Messi scored twice before converting his penalty in the shootout.
Read Also: Argentina Beat Benin 3-0 as Messi Scores in Final International Appearance
5. Two Copa América titles
Messi won the Copa América twice with Argentina — in 2021 and 2024.
The 2021 triumph was particularly significant as it ended Argentina’s long wait for a major senior international trophy and represented Messi’s first major title with the senior national team.
6. One Finalissima
Messi added the Finalissima to his international honours in 2022 when Argentina defeated European champions Italy at Wembley.
The victory came less than a year after Argentina’s Copa América triumph and further strengthened the team’s resurgence under Lionel Scaloni.
7. Four major senior titles
Messi’s senior Argentina trophy cabinet contains four major honours:
* FIFA World Cup — 2022
* Copa América — 2021
* Finalissima — 2022
* Copa América — 2024
The Argentine Football Association also notes that his wider international honours include the 2005 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2008 Olympic gold medal.
8. Six World Cup appearances
Messi represented Argentina at six World Cups — Germany 2006, South Africa 2010, Brazil 2014, Russia 2018, Qatar 2022 and the 2026 tournament.
His World Cup journey included a runners-up finish in 2014 before he eventually captained Argentina to the title in Qatar eight years later.
9. A fitting final performance
Messi’s final Argentina appearance produced exactly the kind of ending supporters had hoped for.
He assisted Otamendi, created Paz’s goal and then scored himself as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0. At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and officials gathered around him as the Monumental crowd celebrated the end of an extraordinary international career.
After 21 years, the Messi era with Argentina is over — leaving behind 208 appearances, 126 goals, 67 assists and a collection of major trophies that transformed his relationship with the national team from one of immense expectation to enduring celebration.
