Overview
- On Tuesday at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental, Lionel Messi scored a penalty and set up two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his ceremonial final match, finishing his international career with 208 caps and 126 goals.
- The farewell was an organised national tribute that included an 85,000-strong crowd, a minute-long applause in the 10th minute, a giant No.10 'Gracias' display and a drone show over the stadium.
- Messi delivered an emotional speech saying he leaves 'in peace' and thanked fans, and he remains under contract at Inter Miami through 2028 while signalling uncertainty about whether he will keep playing at club level.
- Coach Lionel Scaloni is fast-tracking a transition by confirming Cristian 'Cuti' Romero as captain and using the October friendlies to evaluate younger players while veterans such as Nicolás Otamendi also closed their international careers.
- Messi departs having delivered Argentina major trophies including the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, leaving a legacy that reshapes selection, leadership and commercial planning at the AFA for the coming cycle.