Argentina 3-0 Benin

Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary Argentina career to a fitting conclusion by scoring once and assisting twice in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old directly contributed to every goal on an emotional Tuesday night, setting up Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a second-half penalty.

Although Argentina’s victory completed another convincing international performance, the result was secondary to the significance of the occasion. After 21 years, 208 senior appearances and a record 126 goals, Messi was wearing Argentina’s famous No.10 shirt for the final time.

More than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental to witness what had been promoted as “The Last Tango.” Former members of Argentina’s World Cup-winning teams were also present as the country said goodbye to its most decorated footballer.

Emotional Scenes Before Messi’s Final Match

Messi’s emotions were visible before the first whistle.

Accompanied by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, the Argentina captain struggled to hold back tears during the national anthem. Head coach Lionel Scaloni was also visibly moved as the entire stadium sang together.

The Argentine Football Association organised an extensive celebration featuring live music, fireworks, lights and a drone display. Supporters held banners thanking their captain, while one of the messages inside the stadium described Messi as Argentina’s “Eternal Captain.”

Messi had already acknowledged that the moment to leave had arrived. During his final address, he thanked the supporters who had followed him through the victories, defeats and difficult periods of his international career.

“No me queda más que agradecer,” Messi said, explaining that even during the worst moments, he never stopped fighting or giving his maximum for Argentina.

Benin Frustrate Argentina in the First Half

Benin, coached by former Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr, approached the friendly determined to compete rather than simply participate in Messi’s farewell celebration.

The West African side remained organised throughout the first half, keeping their defensive lines compact and limiting the space available to Messi and Argentina’s attacking players.

Argentina controlled possession and moved the ball patiently, but they could not find a breakthrough before half-time. Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou and his defence dealt with Argentina’s early pressure as both teams entered the interval with the score still 0-0.

However, the hosts increased the tempo after the restart—and Messi soon began to take control.

Messi Sets Up Otamendi’s Opening Goal

Argentina finally broke Benin’s resistance in the 48th minute.

Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, and veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi converted to give the hosts a 1-0 lead.

It was an appropriate combination on such a historic evening. Otamendi and Messi shared many of Argentina’s biggest international moments, including the 2021 Copa América triumph and the country’s unforgettable 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar.

Otamendi later described scoring his final international goal from a Messi assist as a memory he would carry for the rest of his life.

The goal released the pressure on Argentina and forced Benin to leave more space as they attempted to find an equaliser.

Nico Paz Doubles Argentina’s Advantage

Argentina’s second goal arrived in the 61st minute, with Messi once again providing the final pass.

The captain found Nico Paz in a dangerous position, and the young midfielder finished the move to make it 2-0.

The goal carried important symbolism for Argentina. Messi, the player who had represented the national team for more than two decades, was creating an opportunity for one of the country’s emerging stars.

It was a glimpse of the transition Argentina must now complete. Messi’s departure leaves an enormous creative and emotional void, but players such as Paz will be expected to help lead the next generation.

Messi Scores the Final Goal of His Argentina Career

There was still one moment missing from Messi’s farewell—the goal.

When Argentina were awarded a penalty during the second half, Messi stepped forward. With thousands of supporters holding their phones in the air, the captain calmly converted from the spot to complete the 3-0 victory.

It was his 126th and final goal for Argentina, providing a storybook conclusion to one of the greatest international careers in football history.

Messi finished the match with one goal and two assists, directly contributing to all three of Argentina’s goals.

After the final whistle, his teammates gathered around him as the supporters continued singing his name. Messi completed a final lap of the stadium, raising his arms towards the crowd before leaving the international stage for the last time.

Argentina vs Benin Match Summary

Final score: Argentina 3-0 Benin
Competition: International friendly
Venue: Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
Argentina scorers: Nicolás Otamendi, Nico Paz and Lionel Messi
Messi’s contribution: One goal and two assists
Head coaches: Lionel Scaloni and Gernot Rohr
Player of the Match: Lionel Messi

The AFA confirmed that Otamendi opened the scoring, Paz added Argentina’s second and Messi completed the victory with the third goal.

Neymar, Ronaldinho and Football World Honour Messi

Tributes arrived from across the football world before and after Messi’s final international appearance.

Former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho praised Messi for bringing joy to football, while Neymar thanked the Argentine for helping him love the sport even more.

River Plate presented Messi with honorary membership, a commemorative plaque and a personalised shirt before the match. The gesture demonstrated how Messi’s impact had moved beyond traditional club rivalries in Argentina.

The University of Buenos Aires also awarded him an honorary doctorate in recognition of his sporting career, perseverance, humility and conduct.

Meanwhile, emotional footage recorded by supporters showed Messi reflecting quietly on the team bus, offering another reminder of how difficult the farewell was for the legendary captain.

Messi’s Unmatched Argentina Legacy

Messi made his senior Argentina debut against Hungary in August 2005. What followed was a 21-year journey that included record-breaking individual numbers, painful final defeats and, eventually, the trophies that transformed his relationship with the national team.

His senior international honours include:

• FIFA World Cup: 2022
• Copa América: 2021 and 2024
• Finalissima: 2022
• Olympic gold medal: 2008
• FIFA Under-20 World Cup: 2005

The 2021 Copa América victory ended Argentina’s long wait for a major international trophy and removed one of the biggest burdens from Messi’s career. A year later, he captained the country to World Cup glory in Qatar, producing one of the greatest individual campaigns in the tournament’s history.

By the time he retired, Messi was Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading goalscorer. His influence, however, cannot be measured only through goals, assists and trophies.

He became the inspiration for an entire generation of players and supporters.

“Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you,” Messi told the Monumental crowd. “It was the best thing that happened to me in my life.”

What Comes Next for Argentina?

Argentina must now begin a new chapter without the player who defined the national team for more than two decades.

Scaloni still has a talented squad containing experienced leaders and promising young players. However, replacing Messi’s creativity, leadership and ability to decide matches with one moment of brilliance will be impossible for any individual player.

The responsibility will instead need to be shared across the entire squad.

As Scaloni acknowledged after the match, Argentina may build another strong team, but Messi’s unique presence and influence cannot be recreated.

Argentina defeated Benin 3-0, but the night will not be remembered primarily for the score. It will be remembered as the moment an era ended—and a grateful nation said goodbye to its eternal No.10.

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