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In an extraordinarily emotional evening, Lionel Messi played his last match with the Argentine national team. After over two decades wearing the Albiceleste jersey, Messi brought his international career to a close, marking the end of Argentina's most triumphant era.
Argentina beat Benin 3–0 on Tuesday evening in Lionel Messi's farewell appearance for La Albiceleste, with him providing assists on the first two goals before netting the third himself.
What unfolded across the 90 minutes was largely anticipated. The evening as a whole, however, was nothing less than magical.
Last Three Goal Involvements to Savor Forever
Benin proved to be a far more formidable opponent than initially anticipated, partly because the African side abandoned its stated game plan and chose to mark Messi regardless. But after a relatively subdued first half in which Messi was still visibly emotional, Argentina dominated the second 45 minutes.
La Albiceleste broke the deadlock in poetic fashion. Messi delivered a corner that was volleyed home by none other than his longest-serving international teammate: Nicolás Otamendi. On a night when the legendary center-back also said goodbye to La Albiceleste, his final touch of the ball was a goal set up by Messi.
Then came the symbolic passing of the torch. Argentina's second goal of the night was also assisted by Messi, but it was a beautifully curling strike from the player widely tipped to become his successor: Nico Paz. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder scored a goal straight from Messi's playbook, underlining why many view him as Argentina's next great No. 10.
But Messi needed his goal, and when Agustín Giay was brought down inside the penalty area, the entire world knew what was coming. Messi stepped up and drilled a powerful effort into the top corner to score his 126th and final goal for Argentina.
Three unforgettable goal involvements in his last Argentina appearance that will live on forever. And as if that weren't enough, he also created the most chances (four), registered the most touches in the opposition's box (12), and had the most shots (nine).
Lionel Messi: 'Playing For Argentina Is the Most Beautiful Thing'
What he delivered on the field was characteristically breathtaking. But once the final whistle sounded, the entire Monumental held its breath for Messi's farewell address. Following a drone show depicting Messi's greatest moments with Argentina lighting up the night sky and a special musical performance, Messi took the microphone and spoke to an entire nation.
"It's hard to find the right words today," Messi began. "There are so many emotions, so many thoughts running through my mind. The first thing I think of is my father. All I can do is say 'Thank you,' as I wrote in my retirement letter.
"It was an immense honor to wear this shirt for more than 20 years. Even through the darkest moments we endured, I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving everything and always being here. Not coming here anymore will be incredibly painful. I promise you that if it were up to me, I'd be here for the rest of my life. Because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to anyone.
"Even though I wish I could stay here forever, I feel this is the right moment."
Unparalleled. pic.twitter.com/1794pa03Wm
Messi went on to address the physical toll the 2026 World Cup had taken on him, while also dismissing any conspiracy theories surrounding the team's underwhelming performance in the final against Spain.
Messi continued: "I want to thank my teammates for the time I shared with this group. They helped me fulfill a childhood dream — winning the World Cup, the Copa América, the Finalissima, champions of everything we competed for."
"I'm going to miss playing here so much," he added. "I was fortunate enough to travel across the entire country, and I always received an overwhelming amount of love. I'm deeply grateful for everything I got to experience."
An Entire Nation in Tears in 'Saddest Day' of Messi's Career
Tears rolled down Messi's face on the journey to the stadium, during the national anthem, throughout the drone show, and again during his speech. He was far from alone — Lionel Scaloni wept during the anthem, and thousands in the stands were in tears once the match concluded. As Messi continued speaking, Franco Mastantuono, Enzo Fernández, and Cristian Romero were among the Argentina players visibly overcome with emotion.
"Today, here again, I'm certain this is the saddest day of my career," Messi said, reflecting on the celebrations following the 2022 World Cup at the Monumental. "Because this is when I say goodbye to the national team and to all of you."
"I'm going to miss representing the colors of the national team, but now I'll be on that side, alongside all of you, cheering these players on through whatever lies ahead. Always together."
An emotional Messi urged the entire nation to stand united in support of La Albiceleste through the difficult times that will inevitably come. Because it is in moments of adversity, as he learned firsthand, that a group finds its greatest strength.
"The truth is I'm talking more than ever," Messi continued, nearing the end of his speech. "I don't want to go, I don't want to leave this pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you, I will miss you, and that I'm thankful to God for being Argentine.
"I'm proud to be Argentine and to have fulfilled my dreams alongside all of you. Thank you so much, I love you."
Walking alongside his wife and three children, Messi completed one final lap of the stadium as the 85,000-plus fans packed into the Monumental chanted: "Messi no se va [Messi isn't leaving]! Messi no se va!"
Messi may have stepped off the pitch for the last time in an Argentina shirt, but what he accomplished in his farewell performance and throughout his entire career will remain forever in the hearts of Argentinians and football fans around the world.