Messi held a farewell match for the national team of Argentina on football

Legendary Argentine footballer Lionel Messi held a farewell match for the national team of his country. It's from sb.by.

At the stadium “Monumental” in Buenos Aires in front of 85 thousand spectators, the Argentine national team defeated the Benin team in a friendly match – 3: 0. On account of Messi realized penalty and two assists. In the tenth minute, the match was suspended so that fans and participants of the match celebrated with applause one of the most famous “ten” in the history of football.

Thus, Messi finished his career in the national team of Argentina with 208 matches, 126 goals and 69 assists. This is a record in the history of “Albiceleste”.

It is noteworthy that in Argentina, on the day of the farewell match, Messi was declared a day off.

After the end of the confrontation, a ceremony was held to honor Messi. He began by thanking his father, who died on August 7, 2026

The first thing I think about is my father. All I can do is express my gratitude. It has been an honor to wear this shirt for over 20 years. Playing for Argentina is the best thing that can happen to you. While I would love to stay here forever, I feel now is the right time to leave. I want to thank my teammates for their time with them. They helped me realize my childhood dream of becoming a world champion, a Copa America winner, a Finalissima champion, a champion of everything we fought for. It was an honor to be with them on and off the field. I was ready to play with anyone because I knew there were fighters who would give their all. Today is by far the saddest day of my career as I bid farewell to the national team and all of you. I will miss matches under the flag of the national team. But now I'll be on the other side, with all of you, supporting all these guys. I don't want to leave the field. I just want to tell you that I love you all, and I will miss you all. I am so grateful to God that I am Argentine. I am proud to be an Argentine and to have fulfilled my dreams with you. Thank you very much, I love you all.

The 39-year-old Argentine continues his club career. His contract with Inter Miami of MLS is calculated until the end of 2028.

Messi officially finished his career in the national team of Argentina on football