Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the national team beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The Associated Press's report from Buenos Aires says Messi scored from the penalty spot and assisted Argentina's other two goals.
According to the Argentine Football Association's match report, Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring after a goalless first half. Nicolás Paz added the second before Messi scored Argentina's third. The friendly also served as a farewell for the national team's longtime captain.
Messi had announced his retirement from international football on August 31, AP reported. His Argentina career included a Copa América title in 2021 and the 2022 World Cup. He will continue playing club football for Inter Miami, so the farewell was to the national team rather than to football altogether.
