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Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding an emotional farewell to adoring Argentina fans in his final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.
In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old, widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, scored his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin.
Messi, making a record-extending 208th international appearance, also assisted veteran Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal, while Nico Paz added the second.
But the result was almost a footnote to the occasion itself, as Messi savoured the adulation of the Monumental Stadium crowd one last time in an event billed as “The Last Tango”.
Before the match, Messi wiped away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina team-mates made its way through crowds of well-wishers on the journey to the stadium.
He later took the field alongside his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from a VIP box and waved affectionately to him.
Shortly before kick-off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” (Thank You) above Messi’s famous No. 10 was laid out on the pitch as the crowd roared its approval.
Messi became emotional again as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine” — the same banner held aloft by Argentina players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute, in tribute to Messi’s famous shirt number, for a minute-long ovation for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.
He then crowned the occasion with a penalty in the 71st minute.
At the final whistle, a drone show illuminated the night sky above the stadium, displaying Messi’s image and thanking the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for his remarkable career.
Messi’s farewell came two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat by Spain in New Jersey, where he left the field in tears after making little impact in an ill-tempered 1-0 defeat.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote at the time.
Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA).
Messi, who has previously spoken of his regret at not studying more, said he was proud of the distinction.
“To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!” he joked.
Outside the AFA headquarters, fans unfurled a huge Argentine flag bearing Messi’s image and the words “The joy of my life”.
Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar also paid tribute to the departing champion on X.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” Neymar wrote.
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he has revealed that he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated.
His departure comes four years after the greatest triumph of his international career, when he led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, ending the country’s 36-year wait for a third title and further cementing his status as the heir to Diego Maradona.
“I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He has more than earned it; let him enjoy himself, let him rest,” Cecilia Adriano, 52, told the media.
During Messi’s time with the Albiceleste, Argentina won one World Cup, finished runners-up twice — at Brazil 2014 and North America 2026 — and were crowned Copa America champions in 2021 and 2024.