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Lionel Messi Bids Emotional Farewell to Argentina After 21 Years
Lionel Messi has officially closed the Argentina chapter of his career, saying an emotional goodbye to the national team after more than two decades of unforgettable moments.
The Argentina captain made his final appearance on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
And fittingly, Messi had his own moment on the scoresheet. Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Paz had already put Argentina in control before the 39-year-old completed the victory with his team’s third goal.
But the night was never really about the result. More than 85,000 supporters packed the Monumental to celebrate one of the greatest players in the country’s history, with Messi becoming visibly emotional throughout the occasion.
After the final whistle, Messi addressed the crowd and struggled to contain his emotions as he reflected on his journey with Argentina. He recalled his father and the significance of everything that had happened since he first began representing the country.
For Messi, putting on the Argentina shirt had always meant something different. Despite the difficult years, major final defeats and criticism that followed him for much of his international career, he eventually experienced the success he had always wanted.
The Copa América triumph in 2021, the 2022 Finalissima, and, most importantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup transformed his relationship with the national team. Messi made sure to credit his teammates for helping him reach those milestones while also thanking the supporters who stayed with Argentina through the highs and lows.
He also left a message for the next generation, encouraging them to continue backing the national team and protecting the connection between Argentina and its supporters.
The emotions had already started before kick-off when Messi was visibly moved during the national anthem. His three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, were also in attendance to witness the special night.
Then came the perfect ending on the pitch: a goal, a 3-0 victory and a long ovation from the Monumental crowd.
The farewell celebrations continued after the match with music, fireworks, lights and a drone show dedicated to Messi’s extraordinary career.
After 21 years, 208 appearances and a record 126 goals for Argentina, Messi’s international journey has finally reached its final page. And judging by the scenes in Buenos Aires, it was a goodbye worthy of a player who changed the history of Argentine football.