Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot and set up two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his last international match on Tuesday, 6th October, 2026.

The penalty in the 71st minute was his 126th goal for his country.

The match was played at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires before 85,000 spectators.

It was Messi’s record 208th international appearance, capping a 21-year career. He is 39.

Messi supplied the pass for the opening goal, scored by veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi. Nico Paz also scored.

Play stopped in the 10th minute, a nod to Messi’s No. 10 shirt, so the crowd could applaud him for a full minute.

After the final whistle, a drone show over the stadium displayed his image and thanked the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi was seen wiping away tears on the team bus as it moved through crowds on the way to the ground.

He walked onto the pitch with his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, waved from a VIP box.

Before kickoff, a giant Argentina jersey carrying the Spanish word for thank you above the Number 10 was spread across the field.

Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner asserting Argentina’s claim to the Malvinas.

Players held up the same banner after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final win over England.

Earlier in the day, the University of Buenos Aires gave Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association’s headquarters.

Messi, who has spoken of regretting that he did not study more, joked about being able to call himself an honorary doctor.

Messi told the stadium that he loves the fans and will miss them, ESPN reported.

He said he would happily keep coming back forever, calling the national team the most beautiful thing that can happen to a player, and thanked his teammates for their support throughout his career.