Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with a 3-0 win over Benin. A Guardian analysis traces his long, difficult path from criticism to widespread admiration in Argentina.
Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and assisted twice in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin, his final match for the national team. The 39-year-old made his 208th appearance and ended his international career with 126 goals, according to AP and Reuters.
His relationship with Argentina’s supporters was not always easy. Early in his career, critics compared him with Diego Maradona and questioned his reserve. After Messi retired from international football in 2016, fans publicly urged him to return. He reversed his decision and continued playing.
Argentina’s 2021 Copa América title marked a turning point, followed by the 2022 World Cup victory in Qatar. In later years, Messi became more visible as captain, and excerpts from his team talks circulated on social media.
The farewell at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium was emotional. Messi thanked the crowd and said he found it difficult to leave. AP described the country’s response as the end of an era.
A Guardian column by Brazilian writer Milly Lacombe examines the mixed feelings around Messi, whose play drew admiration even as his public silence prompted questions. The author writes that Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final sharply changed public perceptions of the team. At Messi’s farewell, however, supporters answered their captain with gratitude.