Lionel Messi plays final Argentina match in emotional Buenos Aires farewell against Benin
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina on October 6, 2026, in a sold-out friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old announced his international retirement on August 31, 2026, ending a 21-year career with 208 caps and 125 goals. He won the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and two World Cup runner-up finishes.
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Lionel Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina national team in friendly against Benin
Lionel Messi played his final match for the Argentine national team on October 6, 2026, in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The 85,000-seat stadium was sold out as fans celebrated the 39-year-old superstar who has dominated world football for two decades. Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, 2026. The pre-match ceremony featured a giant sky-blue-and-white shirt with his number 10 and 'Gracias' in golden letters, along with fireworks and chants. In an Instagram video before the match, Messi said: 'This jersey was my dream, my pride and my life. Thank you for loving me so much, I will miss you.' His international career spanned over 21 years, beginning with a red card on debut against Hungary in 2005. His major achievements include winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021, 2024), and two World Cup runner-up finishes (2014, 2026). He retires as Argentina's record appearance holder (208 matches) and record goalscorer (125 goals before this match). Messi continues to play at club level for Inter Miami.
Read sourceLionel Messi Delivers Video Message Ahead of Argentina Farewell, Thanking Fans for Their Love
Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for the Argentina national team in a farewell match against Benin. In a video message, Messi expressed gratitude to fans, saying 'Thank you for loving me so much.' Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni commented that 'only nostalgia remains' as Messi bids farewell. Former Barcelona teammate Neymar also sent a heartfelt message, stating 'It was an honour, thank you.' Multiple news outlets, including Bleacher Report, ESPN, Yahoo Sports, The New York Times, and USA Today, are covering the event, providing live updates and broadcast information for the match.
Read sourceLionel Messi prepares for his final match for Argentina as golden era ends
Lionel Messi is preparing for his final match representing Argentina, marking the end of a golden era for the national team. Multiple news outlets report on the emotional farewell, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni stating that 'only nostalgia remains' as Messi bids the team goodbye. The BBC notes that the Argentina legend has big plans for the future. Yahoo Sports published an emotional video bidding Messi farewell, while The Guardian opines that Messi has 'completed football' and can bid Argentina farewell with pride. The AP News headline confirms Messi's preparation for his final match, and ESPN quotes Scaloni's nostalgic sentiment. The event is widely covered as a significant moment in football history, with Messi's departure from international football being a major topic of discussion across major sports media.
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Lionel Messi set for 'Last Tango' with Argentina as Ronaldo pouts on sidelines
Multiple news outlets report that Lionel Messi is preparing for his final match with the Argentina national team, described as a 'Last Tango' by The National. The BBC notes the Argentina legend has big plans for the future as the golden era ends. CBS Sports examines life after Messi for Argentina as the national icon retires from international competition. The Guardian states Messi has completed football and can bid Argentina farewell with pride. USA Today provides details on the Argentina vs. Benin farewell match, including start time and how to watch. The coverage contrasts Messi's farewell with Cristiano Ronaldo's situation on the Portugal sidelines.
Read sourceArgentina Learns to Love Lionel Messi as He Retires a God After Final Match
A collection of news articles from major outlets including The New York Times, ESPN, The Guardian, Billboard, and Sports Illustrated covers Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina, an international friendly against Benin. The New York Times reflects on how Argentina came to love Messi, describing his retirement as that of a god. ESPN quotes Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni saying 'only nostalgia remains' as Messi bids farewell. The Guardian states Messi has 'completed football' and can leave with pride. Billboard and Sports Illustrated provide livestreaming information and match previews, predictions, and lineups for the Argentina vs. Benin game. The coverage marks the end of Messi's storied international career with the Argentine national team.
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