Lionel Messi has officially closed the book on one of football’s most storied international careers, retiring from Argentina’s national team after more than two decades of service that brought glory, heartbreak, and ultimately, World Cup triumph.
The 39-year-old superstar delivered a fitting finale on Tuesday night at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, where 85,000 passionate supporters witnessed him score his 126th international goal and provide an assist in Argentina’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin. The match, dubbed ‘The Last Tango,’ marked Messi’s record 208th appearance in the famous blue and white stripes.
Emotion overwhelmed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner throughout the evening. Tears streamed down his face as the team bus navigated through crowds of adoring fans on the way to the stadium. He entered the field accompanied by his three children while his wife Antonela and mother Celia watched from a VIP box. Before kickoff, a massive Argentina jersey displaying “Gracias” above his iconic number 10 was spread across the pitch as the stadium erupted in appreciation.
The tribute continued when play stopped in the 10th minute for a standing ovation honoring his legendary shirt number. Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute to cap the occasion, and after the final whistle, a spectacular drone show illuminated the Buenos Aires sky with his image.
“Defending this jersey for more than 20 years was a huge source of pride,” Messi told the crowd in his farewell address. “Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The retirement comes two and a half months after Argentina’s disappointing World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi struggled in an ill-tempered 1-0 defeat. He cited the grueling tournament, which coincided with his late father’s serious illness, as a factor in his decision. Jorge Messi passed away two months ago, prompting speculation that Lionel might retire from club football with Inter Miami sooner than his 2028 contract expiration.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi explained at the time.
Before the match, the University of Buenos Aires honored him with a doctorate degree, a distinction that delighted the footballer who has previously expressed regret about not pursuing more formal education.
Messi’s international legacy is unmatched in Argentine football history. He led the nation to their long-awaited third World Cup title in 2022, ending a 36-year drought and cementing his place alongside Diego Maradona in the pantheon of Argentine greats. He also captained Argentina to Copa America victories in 2021 and 2024, plus the 2022 Finalissima, though his career included painful runner-up finishes at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.
In a heartfelt Instagram post following the match, Messi thanked fans, teammates, and the memory of Maradona. “I don’t want to forget Diego, who put our country where it deserved to be and who, as I always say, I know helped us both by being here with us and also from heaven, with every step we took.”
Even longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo set aside their competitive history to honor Messi’s achievement. “Leo, after so many years of defending your country, you’ve made history that will last forever. I have the utmost respect for what you’ve accomplished with Argentina. A hug,” the 41-year-old Portuguese captain wrote.
Brazilian legend Neymar, Messi’s former Barcelona teammate, also paid tribute: “It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football.”
For Argentine fans, the farewell was bittersweet but satisfying. “I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest,” said 52-year-old supporter Cecilia Adriano.
Messi remains contracted with Inter Miami through 2028, though his future in club football remains uncertain following his father’s recent death. For now, the football world bids farewell to one of its greatest servants on the international stage.
