Messi ends Argentina career with goal and two assists in win over Benin

Lionel Messi marked the end of his international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Nicolas Otamendi, Nico Paz and Messi scored for the world champions, while manager Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to the captain’s contribution to Argentina.

“Messi leaves an incomparable legacy,” Scaloni said at a news conference. “We have to continue playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique. I have never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football field, and that is what we will miss.”

Messi finishes his Argentina career with 208 international appearances, 126 goals and 68 assists. He is also the player with the most World Cup appearances, the most World Cup victories and the most consecutive World Cup matches with a goal.

He holds the same appearance and victory records in the Copa America, while also being the leading scorer in South American World Cup qualifying.

The 39-year-old leaves with four major international honours: the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 Finalissima.

The next player to wear Argentina’s number 10 shirt will inherit a role previously held by Mario Kempes, Diego Armando Maradona and Messi.

Although he has retired from international football, Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.

Messi honoured at the Monumental

Otamendi started despite having announced his international retirement after Argentina’s defeat in the 2026 World Cup final. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez joined Messi in attack.

Messi and Scaloni appeared emotional during the Argentine national anthem. Before kick-off, Benin captain Sessi D’Almeida presented Messi with a statue representing Benin’s Amazon Monument.

Benin became the 13th African national team Messi had faced during his international career, and he scored his 13th goal against them.

Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad attended the match, with Angel Di Maria among those present for the tribute ceremony after the final whistle. Nahuel Molina and Paulo Dybala were absent after Roma refused to release them because of the limited time remaining before the end of the international break. Papu Gomez worked as a pundit for the Arabic broadcaster Shasha.

Argentina dominated possession early on, and play was stopped in the 10th minute for supporters and everyone on the pitch to applaud Messi. Benin threatened in the 18th minute, but a cross was deflected just wide of Emiliano Martinez’s post.

Messi went close in the 24th minute and saw a free-kick saved by Marcel Dandjinou three minutes later. Another Messi touch from Lautaro’s cross went narrowly wide before Julian Alvarez missed after rounding the goalkeeper, leaving the sides level at half-time.

Otamendi headed in Messi’s corner in the 49th minute. He was replaced by Facundo Medina two minutes later to a standing ovation.

Messi then set up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second in the 61st minute. Agustin Giay won a penalty in the 68th minute, which Messi converted three minutes later to score his final Argentina goal.

He went close again in the 75th minute, while Atadjeko Samadou replaced Hassani Imourane in the 90th minute. Messi missed a late free-kick, and the night ended with drones forming a display above the Monumental as the crowd applauded the number 10.