The 39-year-old captain scored a penalty and assisted twice in Argentina’s 3–0 win in Buenos Aires, which AP and Spanish media described as his international farewell.
Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina on October 6 as the team beat Benin 3–0 in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old captain scored from the penalty spot and assisted the other two goals, the Associated Press reported. A ceremony and concert followed, with a banner reading “Captain Forever” displayed on the field.
RIA Novosti said the match was Messi’s 208th for Argentina. He announced in late August that he was ending his international career and, according to the agency, had made the decision on July 21. AP also described the fixture as his farewell and said he leaves international football with 126 goals.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup, the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima with Argentina. He also won the Under-20 World Cup in 2005 and Olympic gold in 2008. In 2016, he briefly announced his retirement after losing a second consecutive Copa América final before returning to the national team.
Messi plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. CNN Brasil traces his Argentina career to 2005; AP described the farewell as the end of a 21-year international career.