Argentina vs Benin: Lionel Messi retires from international football career with a goal

Lionel Messi officially retired from international career after scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly international on Wednesday.

Messi, who helped Argentina win the World Cup and two Copa America titles, entered the game with a national-record 125 goals and 68 assists for his country.

Before the final goodbye, he offered a simple message: "I leave in peace. I gave everything."


The Argentina football icon was honoured with an honorary doctorate by the University of Beunos Aires ahead of his farewell international match against Benin.

The official X handle of AFA posted, "#SelecciónMayor Argentine captain Leo Messi received today the title “Doctor Honoris Causa” from the University of Buenos Aires. Congratulations, legend!"

Messi had announced his international retirement over one month after Argentina's FIFA World Cup final loss to Spain by 1-0 and just days after the demise of his father, Jorge Messi. His father died on August 8 in the central Argentine city of Rosario at the age of 68.

The Argentina skipper is his country's most-capped player and highest goal scorer, with 203 appearances and 124 goals to his credit. He also holds the record of the highest goal-scorer in South American football history.

Messi signs off in tears

Lionel Messi delivered one last master class in blue and white as the Argentina's captain brought the curtain down on his extraordinary 21-year international career.

The 39-year-old's final bow in front of more than 85,000 fans at a packed Monumental stadium seemed less about football and more a national celebration of Messi's service to the national team.

Messi's family watched proudly from the stadium stands alongside some of Argentina's World Cup winners of 1978, 1986 and 2022.

As the team bus travelled from the training centre bearing his name on Tuesday, Messi wiped away tears as thousands lined the route.

When both the teams took the pitch, Benin's captain looked lost for words as he handed Messi a gift and letter during the pre-match handshake.

In a fairytale ending to his international football career, Messi converted a penalty for 3-0, his 126th international goal, prompting another round of "Messi, Messi" chants from the crowd.

At the final whistle, opponents, teammates and the referee gathered around the football icon for embraces before a drone show lit up the sky to mark the end of his magnificent Argentina career.

What did Lionel Messi say in his retirement message?

Bringing an end to his celebrated career with the Argentina national team, Messi confirmed his decision in an emotional statement on August 31, saying he had spent considerable time reflecting on his future following the team’s latest final. The Inter Miami star acknowledged that stepping away was a painful decision but said he believed the time was right to leave international football.

"After all this time that has passed since the final, and after much thought, I want to announce to everyone that I am retiring from the National Team..."

"It was a decision that hurt and still hurts deeply, but I understand that it's the right time. I swear that I always gave my all, not just in the last few years when we won everything, but before that too. I always fought and gave everything for this jersey, to bring you joy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football," he said.

"There's not much time left, and chapters are closing, and this is one that hurts me deeply."

"I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I've given everything I have; I have nothing more to give, and besides, there are some great young players coming up behind me who deserve to be there."

"Thank you for all the love over these 20 years. I will miss hearing you from inside the stadium. Now I will be one of you, always supporting and cheering from the outside, through the good times and the bad, even more so. Thank you to my family for always being there and for accompanying me on this beautiful but difficult journey. Thank you to every coach, teammate and official I had the opportunity to share this journey with," he added.

Lionel Messi, in his retirement message, said, "I take with me unforgettable memories and moments. I leave with the peace of mind and pride of having given you, together with my teammates, moments we could only dream of. It was crazy to have lived it with you. I love you! Thank you, God, for making me Argentine. Come on, Argentina!"

"I wrote these words on July 21, two days after the final. Today, after what happened with my father, I am more convinced than ever," he added.

The above message is roughly translated from Spanish.