Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina on October 6, 2026. The friendly was against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina won 3-0. Messi scored one goal and provided two assists. He called it the saddest day of his career.
After the match, Messi spoke to the crowd. He said he will miss defending the national team’s colours. He also said he will now support the team from the sidelines. He wants to be with the fans, cheering for the players who come next. He said playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to a footballer.
Messi played 208 games for Argentina over 21 years. He led the team to win the 2022 World Cup. He also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. He announced his retirement from international football on August 31. His father died a few weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final. Messi said that loss and his father’s death made him realise it was time to step away.
Argentina played three friendly matches during this international break. They won all three. That extended their winning streak in exhibition games to 22 matches. The federation president, Claudio Tapia, said the final game would be dedicated to Messi.
Messi will continue to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His contract runs through the 2028 season. He has not said when he will retire from club football. For now, Argentina fans are grateful for everything he gave to the national team. His farewell was an emotional night for everyone who loves football.
Ronaldo Pays Tribute to Messi After Argentina Retirement
Cristiano Ronaldo has shared a message for Lionel Messi after his retirement from Argentina. Ronaldo posted his thoughts on social media on October 7. He wrote that Messi’s story will last forever. He also sent a hug to his long-time rival.
“Leo, so many years defending your country and a story that will last forever,” Cristiano Ronaldo wrote. “All my respect for what you have accomplished with Argentina. A hug.”
Messi had shared his own farewell message earlier that day. He played his final match for Argentina on October 7 against Benin. It came weeks after he first announced his retirement on August 31. Messi spent 21 years with the national team.
In his farewell post, Messi said his journey was full of both joy and sadness. He said he already misses wearing the Argentina shirt. But he knows he made the right decision. He said every step he took was worth it.
Messi thanked his family for supporting him through difficult times. He said it is impossible to express everything he feels in just a few words. He also thanked his friends, teammates, and coaches. He did not forget Diego Maradona. Messi said Maradona helped the team in every step they took, whether he was with them or watching from heaven.
Messi lost his father, Jorge, on August 8 this year. Jorge was 68. The cause of death has not been made public. In an earlier post, Messi said his father’s death pushed him to make the tough decision to retire.
Neymar, Di Maria, Ronaldinho and Suarez Lead Emotional Tributes to Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina. The friendly against Benin took place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina won 3-0. Messi scored once and set up two goals. It was his 126th goal for his country and the 932nd goal of his career.
After the match, tributes came in from some of the biggest names in football. Neymar wrote a message for Messi. He said the whole world thanks Messi for what he gave to football. He also said it was an honour to play against him and alongside him. Neymar said Messi made him love football even more.
Angel Di Maria was at the stadium to watch the farewell. He said it was the day nobody wanted to arrive. But he felt happy seeing Messi at peace. Di Maria said Messi gave everything he had. He thanked Messi for everything.
Ronaldinho also shared a message. The former Barcelona teammate told Messi to enjoy life. He wished him the best and called him the greatest.
Luis Suarez, Messi’s current teammate at Inter Miami, also paid tribute. He said Messi should be proud of his career. He reminded Messi that he achieved things most players only dream about. Suarez said Messi deserves recognition from everyone for what he did for Argentina.
FAQs
Q. When did Messi play his final match for Argentina?
A. Messi played his final match on October 6, 2026.
Q. Who did Argentina beat in Messi’s farewell match?
A. Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
Q. What did Cristiano Ronaldo say about Messi?
A. Cristiano Ronaldo praised Messi and called his Argentina career unforgettable.
Q. How many goals did Messi score for Argentina?
A. Messi scored 126 goals for Argentina.
Q. Which other players paid tribute to Messi?
A. Neymar, Di Maria, Ronaldinho, and Suarez paid tribute.
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