Lionel Messi and Argentina
7 October 2026
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old finished his international career with 126 goals from a record 208 appearances.
Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a 71st-minute penalty in his farewell appearance. After the final whistle, Argentina staged an emotional tribute as Messi formally closed a 21-year international career that included the 2022 World Cup.