Messi ends 21-year Argentina career in front of 85,000 fans

Lionel Messi, 39, played his final match for Argentina on 6 October 2026, ending a 21-year international career in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Argentina won 3-0 in front of a sellout crowd of 85,000. Messi finished with 208 caps and a record 125 goals for the national team, more than any other player in Argentina's history.theguardian.com+1

The match closed a career that began more than two decades ago and delivered Argentina's first World Cup since 1986. Messi's departure matters because Argentina must now rebuild without the player coach Lionel Scaloni built the team around. Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, ending an Argentina career that spanned more than two decades, encompassing 207 matches and a record 125 goals before this final game.onefootball.com

A farewell 85,000 fans attended

On the way to the stadium, Messi was filmed wiping away tears as the team bus moved through crowds of wellwishers. Shortly before kick-off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word 'Gracias' above his number 10 was laid on the pitch, and the sellout crowd of 85,000 roared. Messi was seen welling up again during a rendition of Argentina's national anthem. The fixture was billed as 'The Last Tango'.afr.com

Before the game, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. Messi, who has spoken of his regret at not studying more, joked about the distinction: 'To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!' Outside the association's headquarters, fans unfurled a large Argentine flag carrying his image and the words 'The joy of my life.'

Messi's 125 goals and 65 assists in 207 appearances made him Argentina's all-time leading scorer and assist provider. His record includes 33 World Cup goal involvements, a tournament record, of which 22 came in the 2022 and 2026 campaigns, and he played more men's World Cup finals matches than anyone, with 34.

Where the career numbers came from

Argentina won the 2022 World Cup to end a 36-year wait for a third title, and finished runners-up in 2014 and 2026, plus winning Copa América in 2021 and 2024. Messi's farewell came two and a half months after Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where he exited in tears. He had also retired for two months after the 2016 Copa América final loss to Chile on penalties.

Vice-captain Nicolas Otamendi also bowed out of the national team in the same match. After the game, the captain's armband passes to Cristian Romero. Scaloni said the number 10 shirt will not be given to anyone yet: 'Until Leo's game, we won't give the number 10 to anyone. After that, we'll see.' Messi will wear a commemorative jersey with a white stripe and the sun's rays from the national flag.

What happens to the number 10

Several 2022 World Cup champions took part in the tribute, including Angel di Maria, who has already retired from the national team. Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar wrote on X: 'It's not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football.' Scaloni said in the build-up to the match: 'It's going to be an unforgettable day for everyone.'

The city of Buenos Aires lit up its main monuments in light blue, including the Obelisk, and a giant number 10 jersey was flown over Rosario during the day. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although after the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may retire from playing altogether sooner than expected.

Messi wrote when he announced his August retirement: 'I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance.' His farewell message to fans read: 'The time has come. I leave at peace. I gave everything.' Cecilia Adriano, 52, said: 'He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest.'

Scaloni is the Argentina coach Messi played for most, with 79 caps together, and the only Argentina coach to have won the World Cup and multiple Copa América titles. Messi's final cap leaves Argentina to plan a future without him, while his club career continues at Inter Miami under contract until 2028.