Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring twice and providing two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old was in tears during the national anthem as a drone-show tribute played overhead and Buenos Aires monuments were lit in light blue. Having announced his international retirement on August 31, he leaves as Argentina's most-capped player with 207 appearances and its all-time top scorer with 125 goals.
Messi's international honours include the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles; Argentina finished runners-up at the 2026 World Cup. Former teammate Neymar paid tribute on social media after the match.
He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he is under contract through 2028. 'I have nothing left to give' internationally, Messi told fans — closing the book on one of the greatest international careers the sport has seen.
