Lionel Messi ends record international career with goal and assist as Argentina beats Benin

Lionel Messi finished his international football career with a goal and an assist as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly match on Wednesday.

The Final Match

The game took place at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires in front of a packed stadium. Members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup winning squad and their families were present to watch the 39-year-old player. The match paused during the tenth minute to mark the famous shirt number he wore for years. Messi provided an assist for teammate Nicolas Otamendi at the start of the second half. He then scored a penalty in the 71st minute with a powerful shot into the top-right corner.

Retirement and Career Records

Messi had announced his retirement on August 31, just over two months after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey. The Argentine Football Association convinced him to play one final game so fans could give him a proper farewell. He leaves international football with 207 appearances, 126 goals, and 66 assists for his country. His career trophies include the 2008 Olympic gold medal, the 2022 World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, and the 2022 Finalissima.

Context

Friendly matches are often used by national teams to test players or celebrate major milestones outside of competitive tournaments. Argentina arranged this special match to honor a player who broke multiple national records over more than two decades.