Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional international friendly as Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to a close with a goal in his final appearance for the national team.
Argentina vs Benin: Messi scores in farewell match
The highly anticipated Argentina – Benín matchup became a historic night for Argentine football, with Messi saying goodbye to the national team in front of a huge home crowd in Buenos Aires.
Argentina produced a convincing 3-0 victory over Benin, with Nicolás Otamendi opening the scoring before Nico Paz added another goal. Messi then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.
For Leo Messi, the occasion was about much more than the result. The 39-year-old made his record-extending 208th international appearance and scored his 126th international goal.
Did Messi retire from Argentina?
Yes. The Argentina vs Benin game was Messi’s farewell appearance for the national team, bringing his 21-year international career to an emotional conclusion. The match had been promoted as his final Argentina appearance, with fans giving the captain a memorable send-off.
That means questions such as “did Messi retire?”, “is Messi retiring?” and “when is Messi’s last game?” have effectively been answered at international level.
However, Messi’s club career is a separate matter. He remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although the report notes that he has indicated he could finish his playing career sooner.
Messi’s last game for Argentina
Messi’s last game for Argentina ended in the perfect way: a goal, a win and an emotional celebration with the supporters.
The match took place at the Monumental Stadium, where approximately 85,000 fans watched the Argentina soccer legend make his final appearance for the Argentina national team.
The farewell began even before kick-off. Messi became emotional while traveling to the stadium, while his three children joined him on the field. His wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched from the VIP area.
A giant Argentina shirt featuring Messi’s No. 10 and the word “Gracias” was also displayed on the pitch as supporters celebrated his remarkable international career.
Argentina vs Benin score and goals
The Argentina vs Benin score finished:
Argentina 3-0 Benin
- Nicolás Otamendi — 49′
- Nicolás Paz — 61′
- Lionel Messi — 71′ penalty
Messi also assisted Otamendi’s opening goal, making his contribution to the final Argentina match even more significant.
Argentina national football team vs Benin national football team
The Argentina national football team vs Benin national football team meeting was officially an international friendly and became one of the most memorable fixtures of Messi’s career.
Argentina controlled the occasion and secured a comfortable victory, while the Benin national football team faced one of the world’s strongest international sides on an unforgettable night in Buenos Aires.
For fans searching for Argentina vs. Benín, Benin vs Argentina, Argentina v Benin, arg vs Benin or Argentina FC vs Benin, the key result is the same: Argentina won 3-0.
Messi’s Argentina farewell timeline
The Argentina national football team vs Benin national football team timeline was dominated by the farewell to Messi.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute for a minute-long ovation honoring Messi and his famous No. 10 shirt.
Otamendi then opened the scoring in the 49th minute, Paz doubled Argentina’s lead in the 61st, and Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute.
After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the stadium with Messi’s image and a tribute to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Argentina vs Benin where to watch
Fans searching Argentina vs Benin where to watch, where to watch Argentina vs Benin, Argentina vs Benin how to watch, where to watch Argentina game today and where can I watch the Argentina game today were following one of the biggest football farewell events of the year.
Because the match has already been played, fans looking to watch Argentina vs Benin or find Argentina vs Benin streaming should check their local broadcaster or official football streaming platform for replay availability.
Likewise, searches for where can I watch Messi farewell match, how to watch Messi’s last game and where to watch Messi last match now refer to replay or highlights of the historic Argentina-Benin encounter.
What does Messi’s retirement mean for Argentina?
Messi’s departure marks the end of an extraordinary chapter for Argentina football.
During his international career, Messi helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. Argentina also finished as World Cup runners-up in 2014 and 2026.
His international career therefore ends with a remarkable legacy and a farewell that reflected his importance to the Argentina national team.
For supporters wondering “is Messi retiring?”, the immediate answer is that he has retired from international football. Whether the Argentina icon continues playing at club level remains a separate question.
What happens next for Argentina?
Argentina must now begin preparing for life without its legendary No. 10. The national team has a new challenge: maintaining its success after Messi’s international departure.
The 3-0 Argentina vs Benin result provided the ideal closing chapter for Messi’s international story, but it also signals the beginning of a new era for Argentine football.
Messi leaves Argentina as a World Cup winner, Copa America champion and one of the most decorated players in international football history. His final Messi game today ended with exactly the kind of moment fans had hoped to see: a goal, a victory and a farewell shared with the supporters who followed him throughout his extraordinary career.
Leave a Reply