Overview
- Tuesday night at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental Argentina beat Benin 3–0 in a ceremonial friendly in which Lionel Messi scored a penalty, finished with 208 caps and 126 goals, and completed his final appearance for the national team.
- The Argentine Football Association staged extensive tributes including a special jersey, a 10th‑minute ovation and video homages that produced a highly emotional, sold‑out atmosphere.
- Critics questioned the organisation of the fixture after reports that Benin endured a 23‑hour journey and poor reception, and former player Christophe Dugarry publicly accused organisers and intermediaries of exploiting the match.
- Messi announced his international retirement in August and will now focus on his club commitments with Inter Miami, where his contract runs to 2028, while preparing reported plans for club ownership and other business ventures.
- Messi leaves a record international legacy that includes the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles and a string of Argentine records, and his departure raises immediate questions about the team’s next generation and leadership.