Messi concludes 208 caps with a goal and a moving farewell speech

Lionel Messi hung up the albiceleste shirt with a goal and a victory, Argentina dominating Benin 3-0 in a farewell match organized in Buenos Aires. With 208 caps and 126 goals to his name, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner leaves the international stage as he has always inhabited it: decisive.

The first half had been frustrating for the 39-year-old captain, who multiplied attempts without success (7th, 24th, 26th, 33rd). From the restart, he rediscovered his role as playmaker. In the 48th minute, his precise corner allowed Nicolas Otamendi — also saying goodbye to international football — to open the scoring with a right-footed volley. Thirteen minutes later, Messi delivered his 67th and final international assist, setting up Nico Paz whose curled left-footed strike found the top corner.

Despite a missed chance (74th) and a shot off the post (89th), Messi finally freed the stadium by converting a penalty with a powerful strike under the bar late in the match. He celebrated with his teammates before joining his family, seated in a box, visibly overwhelmed by emotion.

The evening continued with a major ceremony. A drone show illuminated the Buenos Aires sky, drawing the player’s face, the World Cup trophy and the phrase “Capitan Eterno”. The match had been interrupted in the 10th minute for a vibrant tribute.

Microphone in hand, Messi concluded with a long and personal speech. “It’s difficult to say something today, there are so many emotions. The first person I think of is my father,” he confided. “It was an immense pride to defend this shirt for more than 20 years. Even in the worst moments, I never stopped fighting. Not coming here anymore will be a very great pain.”

On the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina was eliminated without reaching the title, he acknowledged the limits reached: “The match against England was very grueling, both physically and emotionally. We reached the limit of our strength. Even though I would like to stay here forever, I feel that the moment has come.”