Barcelona honour Lionel Messi after Argentina farewell against Benin

FC Barcelona have paid tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain brought his international career to a close against Benin at the Monumental.

Messi scored his final goal for Argentina and set up two more in the farewell match, prompting his former club to publish a special message immediately after the final whistle on 7 October 2026.

The Catalan club shared the tribute through its official social media accounts in several languages, celebrating a career in which Messi made history with the national team.

“From that gold medal in Beijing 2008 to an unforgettable career making history every step of the way with La Albiceleste,” Barcelona wrote. “Congratulations, Leo, for continuing to make the Argentina shirt even greater and more iconic!”

The message referred to Messi’s journey with Argentina, beginning with the gold medal he won at Beijing 2008, and recognised the significance of his achievements in the national shirt.

Barcelona had followed the build-up to the occasion closely across its platforms. In the hours before the match, the club’s coverage focused on the team’s daily training, before turning its attention to Messi once his international career had officially ended.

The post was a direct acknowledgement of the player who served as Barcelona’s historic captain and became one of the defining figures in the club’s history. It also marked the significance of his final appearance for Argentina, with the Monumental providing the setting for a night centred on his farewell.

Messi’s contribution against Benin ensured the occasion included a decisive performance as well as the ceremony surrounding his departure. His goal and two assists were recorded in what became his last match for the Argentina national team.

Barcelona’s tribute described his international career as “unforgettable” and praised him for continuing to elevate the symbolism of the Argentina shirt. The club’s message appeared shortly after the conclusion of the match, offering a public welcome and honouring its former captain on the night his international chapter closed.