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Messi Scores One Last Goal as Argentina Gives Its Captain an Emotional Farewell Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary international career with Argentina to an emotional conclusion on Tuesday, scoring one final goal and helping his country defeat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. More than 85,000 supporters filled the stadium to celebrate the 39-year-old captain, who made his 208th and final appearance for the national team. Messi finished the night with a goal and two assists, providing a fitting ending to more than two decades in Argentina's famous blue-and-white shirt. An Emotional Night in Buenos Aires The farewell was filled with tributes from the moment Messi arrived at the stadium. The Argentina team bus was surrounded by thousands of supporters, while Messi was visibly emotional as he made his way through the crowds. Before kick-off, a giant Argentina No. 10 shirt carrying the word “Gracias” was displayed as fans prepared to celebrate the country's greatest modern football star. The match itself was also briefly stopped in the 10th minute, corresponding with Messi's iconic shirt number, as the entire stadium stood to applaud him. Messi Creates Two Goals The first half ended goalless, but Argentina found another level after the break. Messi first provided the assist for Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring. The goal carried additional significance because Otamendi, who shared 17 years with Messi in the national team, was also playing his final match for Argentina. Messi then created Argentina's second goal, setting up Nico Paz to make it 2-0. The Perfect Final Goal The final chapter of Messi's international career could hardly have been scripted better. With Argentina already leading, Messi won and converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the 3-0 victory. It was his 126th international goal, extending his record as Argentina's all-time leading scorer. When the final whistle arrived, Messi was surrounded by teammates, opponents and officials. A drone display then illuminated the sky above the Monumental as the celebration continued. A Career Full of Major Achievements Messi leaves the Argentina national team as its most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record goalscorer with 126 goals. His international career lasted 21 years and included some of the most important achievements in Argentine football history. He helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the Finalissima in 2022 and the FIFA World Cup in Qatar later that year. His journey with Argentina was not always easy. Early in his international career, Messi faced criticism from sections of the fanbase for failing to reproduce his club form with the national team. Over time, however, his performances and leadership transformed that relationship. Messi Leaves With Tears and Gratitude After the match, Messi struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on what representing Argentina had meant to him. He spoke about the pride of wearing the national shirt for more than 20 years and admitted that not returning to the national team would hurt. For a player who experienced both painful defeats and historic victories with Argentina, the farewell represented the closing of a remarkable chapter. The supporters responded with chants, applause and an emotional celebration that lasted well beyond the final whistle. Messi's final appearance ended exactly as many fans would have hoped: with Argentina winning, their captain scoring and the Monumental coming together to say goodbye. After 208 matches, 126 goals and more than two decades of memories, Lionel Messi's international story has finally reached its final page.