Lionel Messi’s last game for Argentina ends in triumph and tears

Messi scored a goal and created two others as Argentina bid farewell to its most decorated footballer with a 3-0 win.Published On 7 Oct 20267 Oct 2026Lionel Messi has delivered ‌one last masterclass in the blue and white of Argentina as its most decorated player and captain, bringing the curtain down ⁠on his extraordinary 21-year ⁠international career by scoring one goal and setting up two others in a 3-0 friendly match against Benin.The 39-year-old’s final bow came in front of more than 85,000 fans at a packed ⁠Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. It was less about football and more of a national celebration of Messi’s service to the national team.Landmarks across the capital glowed with the team’s sky blue and white colours, while fireworks lit up the skies above ⁠the heaving stadium as fans poured their hearts into a rendition of Argentina’s national anthem.Hours earlier, a huge number 10 shirt emblazoned with “Gracias”, or “Thank You”, was unfurled at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, Messi’s hometown.A giant shirt marking Lionel Messi’s farewell was displayed in his hometown at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario [Marcelo Manera/AFP]“It’s hard to talk,” said M...