Did Messi retire? Yes. Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football after making his final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin on October 6, 2026.
The Argentina national football team gave its legendary captain a fitting farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where Messi scored from the penalty spot and registered two assists in his final international appearance.
For supporters searching is Messi retiring, Messi retiring, or when is Messi’s last game, the answer is now confirmed: the Argentina vs. Benin friendly was Messi’s last game for the Argentina national team.
Did Messi retire from international football?
Yes. Lionel Messi retired from international football following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin.
The 39-year-old forward ended his Argentina career after 21 years, finishing with a record-extending 208 international appearances and 126 goals. His final match was an emotional farewell in front of a packed Monumental Stadium crowd.
Messi had already announced his decision in August after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup defeat to Spain. He explained that he had given everything he could and believed younger players deserved an opportunity to take over.
However, Messi’s international retirement does not necessarily mean he has retired from professional soccer altogether.
Argentina vs Benin: Messi scores in his final game
The Argentina vs Benin friendly became one of the most memorable matches in the country’s football history.
Argentina defeated the Benin national football team 3-0, with Messi directly involved in all three goals. He assisted veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal before helping create another Argentina goal.
Messi then completed the farewell script by scoring Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
The goal was his 126th for Argentina, extending his record as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
For fans following the Argentina vs Benin score, the final result was:
Argentina 3-0 Benin
The match also became a celebration of Messi’s extraordinary international career rather than simply another international friendly.
Messi’s final Argentina game was an emotional farewell
The Argentina game today had enormous significance because it marked the final international appearance of one of football’s greatest players.
Before kickoff, Messi became emotional as he traveled toward the stadium with his teammates. A giant Argentina No. 10 shirt featuring the word “Gracias” was displayed on the pitch.
The match was also paused in the 10th minute to honor Messi’s famous shirt number. The entire stadium joined in a huge ovation for the Argentina captain.
After the final whistle, Messi remained on the field with his teammates and watched a spectacular drone and light show celebrating the biggest moments of his career.
Messi’s Argentina career comes to an end
Messi’s international career began more than two decades ago and included some of the highest and lowest moments in Argentina football.
His biggest achievement came at the 2022 World Cup, when Messi captained Argentina to the championship in Qatar. That victory ended Argentina’s 36-year wait for another World Cup title and cemented Messi’s place among the country’s football icons.
Argentina also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 during Messi’s era.
At the 2026 World Cup, Argentina reached the final but lost to Spain. That defeat ultimately preceded Messi’s decision to retire from international football.
His final record for Argentina now stands at:
- 208 international appearances
- 126 goals
- Two Copa America titles
- One FIFA World Cup
- 21 years representing Argentina
Is Messi retiring from soccer completely?
This is an important distinction.
While Messi has retired from international football, that does not automatically mean he has retired from club soccer.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028 according to the supplied information. Therefore, questions about when is Messi’s last game overall remain separate from his confirmed retirement from Argentina duty.
Fans may still see Leo Messi play at club level.
The Argentina vs Benin match was specifically his farewell from the Argentina national team, not necessarily his final professional soccer appearance.
Where can I watch Messi’s farewell match?
Fans searching where can I watch Messi farewell match, where to watch Messi last match, or how to watch Messi’s last game were looking for the Argentina vs Benin international friendly.
The match took place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026. Because the game has already been played, fans looking for Argentina vs Benin streaming or a replay should check the official broadcaster or streaming service that held rights in their region.
Searches such as where to watch Argentina vs Benin, Argentina vs Benin how to watch, and watch Argentina vs Benin all refer to this historic farewell fixture.
Argentina vs Benin lineups and key players
The Argentina national football team vs Benin national football team lineups featured Messi in what became his final appearance for Argentina.
Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi was another major figure in the match, scoring the opening goal after receiving Messi’s assist.
Otamendi’s goal made the veteran defender part of an unforgettable moment in Messi’s farewell.
The Argentina national football team vs Benin national football team timeline was ultimately dominated by Argentina, with Messi’s involvement shaping the match and the celebrations afterward.
What does Messi’s retirement mean for Argentina?
Messi’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary era for Argentina soccer.
The national team now faces the challenge of moving forward without its iconic No. 10. Younger players will be expected to assume greater responsibility as Argentina prepares for its next generation.
For supporters, however, Messi’s legacy is already secure.
He transformed Argentina’s international story from years of near misses into one of sustained success, culminating in the 2022 World Cup triumph.
His final appearance against Benin was therefore much more than an international friendly. It was the closing chapter of a 21-year international career.
Argentina vs Benin: A final chapter for Leo Messi
The question “Did Messi retire?” now has a clear answer when referring to international football: yes.
Messi’s final Argentina appearance ended with a 3-0 win over Benin, a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell in Buenos Aires.
The Messi game today became his final game for Argentina, while his future with club soccer remains separate.
For Argentina fans, the farewell was filled with tears, gratitude and pride. For football fans around the world, it marked the end of one of the greatest international careers the sport has ever seen.
Argentina vs Benin was Messi’s final tango with the national team—and he left the stage with a goal, a victory and a legacy that will endure for generations.
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