Lionel Messi farewell match: Messi’s Argentina journey ends with a goal, two assists and fans in tears

Lionel Messi farewell match Argentina vs Benin: Lionel Messi scored and provided two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at the Monumental.

Lionel Messi farewell match Live Score Argentina vs Benin: Follow Latest Updates (AP Photo)

Lionel Messi farewell match Argentina vs Benin: The night Argentina fans never wanted to see has arrived, but Lionel Messi gave them plenty to celebrate in his final game for the national team. Messi scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. He set up Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz before finding the net himself in an emotional farewell. The occasion was billed as “The Night That No One Wants to End”, and it lived up to its name. Messi leaves Argentina after a remarkable international career that includes the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.

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• 7 Oct 2026, 07:42:52 AM IST

  A Guard of Honour for the GOAT!

  Lionel Messi receives a guard of honour from his Argentina teammates as he walks across the pitch with his family. The players applaud their captain while Messi takes in the emotional farewell at the Monumental.

• 7 Oct 2026, 07:35:34 AM IST

  Lionel Messi says goodbye to fans at the Monumental!

  Lionel Messi is now making his way around the Monumental, waving to the fans and thanking them for their support. The Argentina captain is soaking in every moment as he says goodbye to the home crowd.

• 7 Oct 2026, 07:26:40 AM IST

  Messi's speech leaves everyone emotional!

  Lionel Messi is delivering his farewell speech at the Monumental, and the emotions are overwhelming. Several Argentina players are in tears, with Enzo Fernandez looking particularly devastated as the reality of Messi’s final game with the national team sinks in.

• 7 Oct 2026, 07:08:48 AM IST

  Fans chanting Messi's name!

  The entire Monumental is now chanting Lionel Messi’s name. The fans have come together to celebrate their captain and the man who delivered some of the greatest moments in Argentina’s history.

• 7 Oct 2026, 07:03:52 AM IST

  A light show lights up the Monumental as Messi turns emotional!

  A spectacular light show takes over the Monumental after the final whistle as a tribute to Lionel Messi and his Argentina jersey. The GOAT looks visibly emotional as the stadium comes together to celebrate his incredible journey with the national team.

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:59:29 AM IST

  Lionel Messi retires as Argentina win 3-0!

  A free kick for Lionel Messi in the final seconds of the game. He sends it over the bar, and that could be his final kick in an Argentina shirt. It is over for Lionel Messi with Argentina. Emotions are taking over the Monumental, with fans in tears and Messi’s family visibly emotional in the stands. What a way to say goodbye to the national team. ARG 3-0 BEN FULL TIME!

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:49:45 AM IST

  ARG in control!

  Argentina continue to control the game and dictate the tempo, while Benin are still searching for a way past Emiliano Martinez. The visitors have shown plenty of intent, but Argentina’s defence and the goalkeeper remain firm. ARG 3-0 BEN 85'

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:34:45 AM IST

  Messi strikes from spot!

  Penalty for Argentina and Lionel Messi steps up to take it. The GOAT makes no mistake, sending the Benin goalkeeper the wrong way with a lethal spot kick. Messi has scored in his farewell match for Argentina, creating another unforgettable moment on this historic night. ARG 3-0 BEN 71'

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:25:16 AM IST

  Assist - Leo Messi, Goal - Nico Paz

  Nico Paz scores just minutes after coming on! Absolutely stunning from Paz, and it feels like a passing of the torch moment as Lionel Messi’s pass sets up the goal. Messi gets his second assist of the night as Argentina double their lead. ARG 2-0 BEN 61'

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:15:54 AM IST

  Otamendi bids adieu to Argentina with a goal

  Nicolas Otamendi is heading to the bench after scoring Argentina’s opener, and it is an emotional moment for the veteran defender. Just like Messi, this is also Otamendi’s final match for Argentina, making his goal even more special on this farewell night. ARG 1-0 BEN 52

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:12:53 AM IST

  Messi provides assist, ARG open scoring!

  Lionel Messi delivers a perfect corner and Nicolas Otamendi rises highest to power a bullet header past the Benin goalkeeper. Argentina finally break the deadlock just minutes into the second half, and Otamendi celebrates by lifting Messi into the air. ARG 1-0 BEN 48'

• 7 Oct 2026, 06:09:04 AM IST

  Second half underway!

  The second half is underway at the Monumental, with Lionel Messi back on the field for what could be his final 45 minutes in an Argentina shirt. The score remains 0-0, and Messi and Argentina will be looking to find the breakthrough.

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:47:45 AM IST

  ARG 0-0 BEN HALF TIME!

  Half time at the Monumental and it remains 0-0 between Argentina and Benin. Both teams have created chances in an entertaining first half, with Messi also going close as Argentina continue to search for the breakthrough on his farewell night.

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:43:51 AM IST

  No goals so far…

  The search for the opening goal continues for Lionel Messi and Argentina. Messi has looked eager to make his mark on his farewell night and has had a few opportunities, but Benin have managed to keep the three time world champions at bay so far.

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:29:03 AM IST

  Messi in search of goal!

  Lionel Messi continues to look lively and is taking his chances whenever they come his way, but he has been unable to find the breakthrough so far. Argentina remain in search of the opening goal as the deadlock continues. ARG 0-0 BEN 27'

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:19:38 AM IST

  Benin test ARG defence

  Benin are not simply sitting back either, as they continue to test the Argentine defence and create some promising chances. They will be hoping to stun the three time world champions if they can make the most of these openings. ARG 0-0 BEN 19'

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:12:26 AM IST

  10th minute tribute for MESSI!

  The entire stadium rises to its feet in the 10th minute as the match is paused for a special tribute to Lionel Messi. Fireworks light up the sky at the Monumental as the crowd celebrates the Argentina captain, while every Benin player comes over to shake hands with Messi in a special show of respect. ARG 0-0 BEN 10'

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:08:54 AM IST

  Messi's shot saved!

  Lionel Messi takes a shot from outside the box, but the Benin goalkeeper makes the save. Messi and Argentina continue to search for the opening goal. ARG 0-0 BEN9'

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:04:27 AM IST

  Messi takes short corner!

  Lionel Messi takes the short corner to Julian Alvarez as the duo try to create something down the left flank, but the move comes to nothing. As expected, Argentina dominate possession in the early minutes, with all eyes on Messi on this emotional night. ARG 0-0 BEN 4'

• 7 Oct 2026, 05:00:55 AM IST

  Kick-off at the Estadio Monumental!

  Kick-off at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, and it is an emotional one for football fans around the world as Lionel Messi plays his final match for Argentina.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:55:29 AM IST

  Lionel Messi emotional at national anthem!

  An emotional moment at the Monumental as Lionel Messi fights back tears during the national anthem ahead of his final game for Argentina. The weight of the occasion is clear on the captain’s face as he prepares to lead his country one last time.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:49:20 AM IST

  Messi walks onto the field with his sons!

  Lionel Messi walks out for the national anthem with his three sons by his side, making this emotional Argentina farewell even more special. The Monumental is ready for a memorable night as the GOAT prepares for his final game in the Argentina shirt.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:37:51 AM IST

  Messi completes warm-up!

  Lionel Messi has completed his warm-up and is now just minutes away from walking out for his final game in an Argentina shirt. There is already a special tribute waiting for him on the pitch, with a giant Argentina jersey laid out in the middle featuring ‘Gracias’ and Messi’s iconic No. 10.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:30:59 AM IST

  Neymar pens emotional letter for Messi!

  Quem ama futebol te aproveitou ao longo desses anos… Hoje é seu ultimo jogo com a camisa da tua seleção, do teu país e eu espero que você curta cada segundo, que todas as homenagens hoje te façam feliz. Não é só Argentina que te agradece, o mundo agradece por tudo que fez ao futebol. Obrigado por me fazer amar ainda mais o futebol, foi uma honra ter jogado contra você e mais ainda fazer história ao seu lado. GRACIAS Leo Messi 🐐

  — Neymar Jr (@neymarjr) October 6, 2026

  Neymar has penned an emotional letter for Lionel Messi ahead of his final game for Argentina, thanking his former Barcelona teammate for inspiring millions and for the memories they shared on and off the pitch.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:25:42 AM IST

  Ronaldinho's message for Messi!

  Qué placer y qué alegría haber formado parte de tu historia desde el primer día hermano! Nos hiciste sonreír y disfrutar tanto del fútbol!!! Tu nombre está en la historia de tu país, de todo el mundo... Solo nosotros sabemos la alegría que sentimos al cumplir nuestro sueño de infancia, representar a toda nuestra nación y ser campeones del mundo!!!! Lo diste todo por tu selección y por tu país... Te entiendo perfectamente y sé que todo lo relacionado con la familia nos hace replantearnos las cosas... Disfruta de la vida, hermano. Te deseo lo mejor, hoy y siempre

  — Ronaldinho (@10Ronaldinho) October 6, 2026

  Ronaldinho shares an emotional message for Lionel Messi ahead of his Argentina farewell, reflecting on their journey, their shared World Cup dream and Messi’s legacy with the national team.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:18:04 AM IST

  Lionel Messi in starting line-up!

  #AD10S 🐐 ✔️ Formación confirmada de la Scaloneta para vivir una noche mágica en el Monumental 🫶 Sí, guardate esta imagen para toda la vida ⚽️ Se nos viene #Argentina 🇦🇷 🆚 Benín 🇧🇯 Una vez más, ¡todos juntos! 🥹 https://t.co/RBDILpqxhF

  — 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) October 6, 2026

  Lionel Messi in the starting line-up as he leads Argentina in his final international appearance.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:10:56 AM IST

  Messi in tears at team bus!

  Lionel Messi crying on the team bus. https://t.co/PnYz7Gmrmu

  — Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) October 6, 2026

  Lionel Messi fights back tears as he arrives at the stadium on the team bus ahead of his emotional Argentina farewell.

• 7 Oct 2026, 04:06:51 AM IST

  Hello and welcome

  Hello and welcome to our live blog of Lionel Messi farewell match in international football as Argentina take on Benin.