An unforgettable chapter of Lionel Messi’s Argentina national football team career came to an end as the legendary forward made his final appearance against Benin national football team in Buenos Aires. After sitting out Argentina’s first two friendly matches, Messi returned for the third and received a thunderous reception from the home supporters. The match was even stopped in the 10th minute for a special tribute before Messi signed off in style, contributing two assists and scoring once as Argentina secured a 3-0 victory.
The emotional scenes continued after the final whistle when Messi addressed the packed Estadio Monumental and admitted that he wished he could represent Argentina for the rest of his life. His words struck a chord with the supporters and his teammates, with players such as Enzo Fernández visibly moved during the farewell.
Lionel Messi Reflects on 21-Year Argentina Journey as Emotional Farewell Begins
Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to an emotional end after the 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires, with the legendary forward scoring once and assisting two goals in his record 208th appearance. After the final whistle, Messi addressed more than 80,000 supporters at the Estadio Monumental, reflecting on a journey that began with his international debut against Hungary in 2005 and eventually brought him World Cup and Copa América glory. “I wish I could come for the rest of my life because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you,” Messi told the emotional crowd.
🇦🇷 | The great final farewell of Lionel Messi and the goodbye to the Argentine team. “Today I have to live the saddest day of my career: saying goodbye to the national team. Now I have to accompany you. I love you, I thank God and I am proud to be Argentine.”
— Mia 🍋 (@Mialygosa) October 7, 2026
We are all Enzo Fernández 💔
— El Autentico Boca (@ElAutenticoBoca) October 7, 2026
Messi admitted that speaking after such a significant night was difficult, with the occasion bringing back memories from more than two decades with the national team. He recalled the struggles as well as the triumphs and said he never stopped fighting for the chance to represent Argentina. “It was a very great source of pride for me to defend this jersey during all these… more than 20 years,” he said, adding that leaving the national team would be a huge pain despite knowing that the time had come.
The Argentina captain also turned his attention to the teammates who shared the biggest moments of his career. Messi thanked the players who helped him fulfil his childhood dream of becoming a World Cup champion, while also highlighting the determination within the squad. “It was going out to compete and competing against anyone because I knew I had warriors beside me,” he said. He credited that unity for the World Cup, Copa América, Finalissima and other successes Argentina achieved during his international career.
The emotional farewell also included a special message for Argentina’s supporters, whose relationship with Messi changed dramatically over the years. He remembered playing in packed stadiums across the country and recalled the unforgettable reception Argentina received when they returned home after winning the 2022 World Cup. Messi described that moment as one of the happiest experiences of his career and said watching videos from that day still brings him to tears. “It was the most beautiful thing that happened to me,” he recalled.
Lionel Messi Bids Emotional Farewell as Enzo Fernández Breaks Down in Tears
Messi then acknowledged that his final goodbye would be one of the hardest moments of his career. He said he would miss wearing Argentina’s colours but promised to remain behind the next generation as a supporter. “Today, back here again, it is surely my turn to experience the saddest day of my career,” he said. “I’m going to miss you, I’m going to miss defending the colors of the national team.” He also urged the fans and players to remain united, warning that difficult periods would inevitably arrive and insisting that a strong group would be essential to overcoming them.
The speech became even more emotional as Messi finished by expressing his love and pride for Argentina. “I don’t want to leave here, I don’t want to leave the pitch,” he told the crowd before thanking them for sharing his journey. Nearby, Enzo Fernández struggled to hold back his tears as he listened to his captain, with the Chelsea midfielder visibly overcome by the moment. After years of pressure, heartbreak and historic success, Messi leaves the national team as its record goalscorer, a World Cup champion and one of the defining figures in Argentina’s football history.