Lionel Messi has ended his 21-year Argentina career after a farewell match against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. A newspaper report dates his final appearance to October 6, 2026. He finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals.

The timing and format of a formal retirement announcement remain unclear. The farewell also became the focus of a tribute campaign by sportswear company adidas.

A goal and two assists in the farewell match

Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in the friendly. According to the newspaper report, Messi played all 90 minutes and contributed to every goal. He set up Nicolás Otamendi’s opener and Nico Paz’s second goal before scoring the third himself.

Attendance estimates range from about 85,000 to more than 85,000 spectators. A Messi shirt was displayed on the pitch before kickoff as part of the farewell.

Advertisement

The newspaper report also described a pause in the 10th minute, matching Messi’s shirt number. Players from both teams stopped to congratulate him as the crowd cheered. A drone show followed the match.

A career that began against Hungary

Messi made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005, aged 18, in a friendly against Hungary, according to the newspaper report. His departure closes an international career lasting more than two decades.

He had previously announced his retirement in June 2016 after Argentina lost the Copa América final to Chile on penalties. He later reversed that decision. On September 1, 2016, he returned against Uruguay and scored the winner in a 1-0 victory.

In a farewell video released by adidas, Messi said he was unsure whether he had fully recognised everything he had achieved in football. He said he had enjoyed playing for Argentina for more than 20 years and that leaving was difficult. Wearing the national shirt meant more to him than anything else, he said.

A tribute from Rosario to Miami

Adidas worked with creative company newcycle on the Gracias 10 tribute campaign. A giant shirt was first displayed at Rosario’s Monumento a la Bandera, a monument to Argentina’s flag. It then travelled to Buenos Aires for the farewell at the Monumental.

On October 10, the shirt appeared during an Inter Miami match in Miami. Adidas also released a documentary that day, bringing together Messi’s final training session, preparations for the match and tributes from his Argentina teammates.