Lionel Messi closed the curtain on one of the greatest international careers football has ever seen, scoring one goal and setting up two more as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his final match for the national team. On a night billed as “The Last Tango” at a packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on 6 October 2026, the 39-year-old played all 90 minutes of his 208th and final appearance before an emotional farewell in front of around 80,000 fans.
FAKTA
- Match: Argentina 3-0 Benin — international friendly, “The Last Tango” (El Último Tango)
- Date and venue: 6 October 2026, Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Goals: Nicolás Otamendi 48′ (assist Messi), Nico Paz 61′ (assist Messi), Lionel Messi (penalty)
- Messi: 208th and final international appearance — 1 goal, 2 assists, 90 minutes played
- Attendance: around 80,000 fans; referee Fernando Véjar (Chile)
- Context: Messi announced his international retirement on 31 August 2026, after Argentina lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final
The Last Tango in Buenos Aires
The evening belonged to Messi long before kick-off. An emotional ceremony honoured the captain, the stadium rose for the national anthem, and in the 10th minute the referee briefly stopped the clock so the crowd could give their number 10 an extended ovation.
Benin, coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr and captained by Steve Mounié, were not overawed by the occasion. The visitors, ranked 89th in the world by FIFA, created the better chances of the first half — Emiliano Martínez had to make two fine saves late in the half to keep the score goalless at the break.
Highlights of Messi’s final Argentina match
Within three minutes of the restart, Messi swung in a corner and Nicolás Otamendi met it with a stunning airborne volley to open the scoring. Soon after, the captain set up Nico Paz — who had been on the pitch for just over a minute — and the youngster curled home a superb second.
The biggest roar of the night came from the penalty spot. After Agustín Giay was fouled in the area by Tamimou Ouorou, Messi stepped up and smashed the penalty into the top corner to complete a 3-0 win and a farewell performance of one goal and two assists.
Messi smashed home a penalty to complete a goal and two assists on his farewell night. (Image: Watan News)
A tearful farewell to the number 10
After the final whistle, an emotional Messi addressed the adoring crowd, thanking the fans and his teammates and saying that defending the Argentina shirt for more than 20 years had been an enormous pride. Flanked by his teammates, he then walked off the pitch with his family — a perfect send-off for a 21-year international career.
The celebrations continued into the Buenos Aires night with a spectacular drone show lighting up the sky above the Monumental, recreating Messi holding the World Cup and his iconic shirt as around 80,000 fans stayed to say goodbye.
Around 80,000 fans packed the Estadio Monumental for Messi’s farewell. (Image: Watan News)
What comes next for Argentina
With Messi’s retirement from international football, Argentina now turns the page on an era. The night offered a glimpse of the future: Nico Paz’s curling strike on his cameo showed the next generation is ready, and the squad that Messi led to the World Cup final still brims with talent.
Argentina remain ranked number two in the world, and the foundation built over Messi’s two decades in the shirt gives the national team every reason to look ahead with confidence. For more football coverage, see our Sports section, and read this story on our main site: Lionel Messi Scores in Final Argentina Match, Beating Benin.
Conclusion
Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina was everything a farewell should be: a commanding 3-0 victory over Benin, a goal, two assists, and a heartfelt tribute from around 80,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental. His departure closes a remarkable 21-year chapter in international football — one defined by skill, dedication and unparalleled success — while Argentina look to a bright future built on the legacy he leaves behind.
