Lionel Messi Marks Final Argentina Game With Goal in 3-0 Win Over Benin

Lionel Messi scored his 126th international goal and provided two assists during his 208th and final appearance for Argentina.

Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday, scoring a 71st-minute penalty to help Argentina defeat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental. The 39-year-old captain dispatched the spot-kick into the roof of the net after providing assists for his team's opening two goals. Argentina broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Nicolás Otamendi headed in a Messi corner, followed by a Nico Paz goal assisted by the Inter Miami forward.

The friendly match, attended by a sold-out crowd of over 85,000, featured a pause in the 10th minute for a stadium-wide standing ovation. Messi retires as Argentina’s all-time leader in both appearances (208) and goals (126). His international honors include the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. During his final major tournament in July 2026, he recorded eight goals and four assists as Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain.

Following the final whistle, a drone show displayed highlights of Messi's career, including his record-tying participation in six World Cups. Coach Lionel Scaloni and teammates joined players from the 1978 and 1986 championship squads for the post-match tribute. Messi finishes his international tenure with 21 career World Cup goals, trailing only Cristiano Ronaldo in total men's international goals and appearances.