By Team INVC | INVC NEWS
Published: October 7, 2026 | 08 : 01 AM IST
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina | October 7, 2026 — Lionel Messi gave Argentina supporters one final reminder of his influence before addressing the moment they had come to witness. The Lionel Messi Argentina farewell ended with a 3–0 victory over Benin, as the captain scored once, supplied two assists and thanked fans for supporting his journey with the national team.
The friendly took place at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on Tuesday, October 6, local time. For readers in India, the farewell unfolded overnight into Wednesday.
Inter Miami’s official match report described the fixture as Messi’s final international appearance. Meanwhile, Argentina’s football association confirmed the victory and the captain’s farewell before the home crowd.
Messi Contributes to All Three Argentina Goals
Argentina and Benin reached halftime without a goal. After the break, Messi helped turn the match decisively in the hosts’ favor.
According to Inter Miami, he delivered the corner that Nicolás Otamendi converted in the 48th minute. He then supplied the pass for Nico Paz to score Argentina’s second in the 61st minute.
Finally, Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the 3–0 scoreline.
His contribution therefore extended beyond a ceremonial appearance: he played a direct role in every Argentina goal. The sequence gave supporters a final combination of the passing and finishing that defined his international career.
However, the result carried only part of the evening’s significance. Once the match ended, attention shifted from the scoreboard to Messi’s words.
What Messi Said About Wearing Argentina’s Jersey
Messi spoke emotionally about representing his country for more than two decades.
In his post-match address, as reported by Argentine broadcaster TN, he expressed pride in defending the national jersey. He also recalled the difficult periods when the team had to keep fighting and giving its best.
“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said, according to Reuters.
His message went beyond celebrating trophies. He described the personal importance of returning to the national team and the pain of leaving that routine behind.
For supporters who followed both Argentina’s disappointments and its victories, that reflection connected the farewell with the entire journey.
A Thank-You—and a Request for Continued Support
Messi thanked the crowd and emphasized his pride in being Argentine. He also spoke about fulfilling his dream alongside the supporters who accompanied the team.
Furthermore, he urged fans to remain close to Argentina when difficult moments arrive. TN’s account of the speech highlighted his emphasis on strong, united groups as a foundation for achieving goals.
That message gave the farewell a forward-looking purpose. Messi was closing his own chapter while asking supporters to keep backing the players who would continue representing the country.
He also indicated that he would now support the team from the fans’ side, giving his departure a personal rather than purely statistical meaning.
The International Career Behind the Farewell
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005, according to FIFA. More than 21 years later, he returned to the Monumental for the final appearance announced ahead of the match.
His international achievements include the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa América, as listed by Argentina’s football association.
Together, those titles provide the sporting context for the emotion surrounding his departure. Nevertheless, his speech focused just as strongly on commitment, belonging and the experience of wearing Argentina’s colors.
The farewell concerns his national-team career. It does not establish retirement from club soccer.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Result
For Argentina, the evening marked the departure of a player who helped shape a generation’s connection with the national team. For soccer fans elsewhere, it offered a final international performance alongside a clear explanation of what representing his country meant to him.
The most memorable takeaway combines both parts of the night: Messi helped deliver all three goals, then asked supporters to stay united behind Argentina.
His final message gave fans something to carry beyond the farewell—a thank-you for the past and a request to keep supporting the team’s future.
