Lionel Messi retires from Argentina’s national team in an emotional final appearance, marked by tears and public farewell moments during a 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Reports describe a tense, scripted end to his international career, with fans filling the venue and watching him conclude his time with Argentina.
Across outlets, Messi is credited with scoring during the match and finishing his international career with 126 goals. One outlet emphasizes the emotional nature of the goodbye, while another highlights how his performance serves as a fitting finale to a long run with the national team. Coverage also notes the scale of the crowd, with one report placing attendance at about 85,000 supporters. While outlets differ in emphasis—some focusing on the emotional scene, others on the goal total—each account portrays the match as the final chapter of Messi’s 21-year international spell with Argentina.
All sources agree on the key outcome: Messi’s retirement is formally presented through the friendly/fixture against Benin and accompanies a farewell on home soil in Buenos Aires.
