Buenos Aires – Lionel Messi has brought the curtain down on his extraordinary international career, making his final appearance for Argentina in an emotional farewell against Benin.
The 39-year-old marked the occasion in typically spectacular fashion, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists as Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory in Buenos Aires.
It was a fitting final chapter for a player who has transformed the history of Argentine football. Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s all-time leading goalscorer and appearance-maker, with 125 goals in 207 international appearances.
His greatest achievement came in 2022, when he finally lifted the World Cup in Qatar after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final. He had previously reached the World Cup final in 2014, while also winning back-to-back Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024 and Olympic gold with Argentina in Beijing in 2008.
Neymar leads the tributes
As Messi prepared for his final international appearance, tributes poured in from across the football world.
Among the first to pay tribute was Neymar, Messi’s former team-mate at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The Brazilian superstar shared an emotional message celebrating the impact Messi has had on the sport.
“Those who love football have enjoyed watching you throughout these years,” Neymar wrote.
“It is not just Argentina that thanks you. The whole world thanks you for everything you have done for football.”
Neymar also reflected on their years together, adding: “Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honour to play against you and, even more so, to make history alongside you.”
Ronaldinho: ‘Your name is etched in history’
Another Brazilian legend, Ronaldinho, also sent an emotional farewell to Messi.
The pair shared the pitch during Messi’s early years at Barcelona, and Ronaldinho recalled the journey they experienced together and the dream of representing their countries at the highest level.
“You gave everything for your national team and your country,” Ronaldinho wrote. “Enjoy life, brother. I wish you all the best, today and always.”
For Ronaldinho, Messi’s legacy extends far beyond Argentina.
“Your name is etched in the history of your country and of the whole world,” he added.
Zanetti praises Messi’s resilience
Former Argentina defender Javier Zanetti also paid tribute to the national team icon, highlighting Messi’s ability to overcome adversity throughout his career.
“He has given us so much. He is an example of resilience for everyone, considering how hard he had to fight,” Zanetti said.
“He fell and got back up until he carried us to glory. He managed to unite an entire nation.”
Those words underline the remarkable transformation of Messi’s relationship with Argentina. After years of painful defeats and criticism, the forward eventually became the leader who delivered the trophies the country had been waiting for.
Scaloni: ‘Nobody can replace Messi’
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni knows better than most what the national team is losing.
“Messi leaves behind something unequalled,” Scaloni said. “We have to keep playing, but the feeling of having him on the pitch is unique.”
“I have never seen anyone else convey what he does on a football field. That is what we are going to miss.”
Scaloni played a key role in Messi’s final years with Argentina, helping build the team that eventually conquered South America and the world.
From teenage debut to international legend
Messi’s Argentina story began in 2005, when a teenage forward made his international debut against Hungary.
It was an unforgettable introduction for all the wrong reasons. Messi was sent off just 30 seconds after coming on as a substitute.
What followed, however, was a career that would redefine the history of international football.
There were years of heartbreak, including defeats in major finals, but Messi eventually found redemption. The Copa América triumph in 2021 ended Argentina’s long wait for a major senior trophy, before the 2022 World Cup provided the defining moment of his career.
Now, after more than two decades wearing the famous blue and white shirt, the journey is over.
“The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all,” Messi said in his farewell message to Argentina supporters.
“This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life for so many years. Thank you for loving me so much and for your support. I will always carry you with me.”
A career that began with a teenager being sent off after just 30 seconds has ended with Messi as a world champion, record goalscorer, record appearance-maker and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
The era of Lionel Messi in Argentina is over. His legacy, however, will last forever.
