Messi Scores 126th Goal in Emotional Final Argentina Appearance

ISLAMABAD: (Sports Desk) – Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, making an emotional final appearance for Argentina as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires.

Playing before around 85,000 supporters at the Monumental Stadium, the 39-year-old superstar scored his 126th international goal and provided an assist as Argentina celebrated a memorable farewell for their iconic No. 10.

Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring after receiving Messi’s assist, while Nico Paz also found the net before Messi completed the occasion with a penalty in the 71st minute.

Messi, making a record-extending 208th international appearance, was the centre of attention throughout an emotional night that had been billed as “The Last Tango”.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told supporters after the match.

He admitted that ending his international career would be painful but said representing Argentina had been the greatest privilege of his football life.

Messi said he had no regrets about his decision, pointing to the physical and emotional demands of Argentina’s recent World Cup campaign as one of the factors behind his decision.

“I feel that this is the moment,” Messi said, adding that the previous World Cup had been particularly demanding because of his father’s serious illness at the time.

Before the match, Messi was visibly emotional as the team bus travelled through crowds of supporters heading toward the stadium.

He later walked onto the pitch alongside his three children, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched from the VIP area.

A giant Argentina shirt carrying the word “Gracias” above Messi’s famous No. 10 was displayed on the field before kick-off as fans gave him a huge ovation.

The emotional scenes continued when Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem beside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine.”

The match was also briefly stopped in the 10th minute, corresponding with Messi’s shirt number, as supporters gave the legendary forward a minute-long standing ovation.

Messi then provided the perfect sporting finale by converting a penalty in the 71st minute.

A Career Celebrated

After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the sky above the Monumental Stadium, featuring Messi’s image and messages celebrating the career of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

Messi had previously indicated that he had given everything to the national team and that younger players deserved opportunities to take his place.

Earlier on Tuesday, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.

The football star, who has previously expressed regret over not pursuing more education, joked about receiving the academic honour.

Outside the AFA headquarters, supporters displayed a giant Argentine flag featuring Messi alongside the words “The joy of my life.”

Former Barcelona teammate Neymar also paid tribute to Messi, saying the football world was grateful for everything he had done for the sport.

Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although he has previously indicated that he could retire from professional football sooner.

His international career reached its greatest triumph in 2022, when he led Argentina to World Cup glory and ended the country’s 36-year wait for a third title.

During Messi’s international career, Argentina won one World Cup, finished runners-up at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups, and claimed Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

For Argentina, Tuesday’s farewell marked the end of one of the most decorated international careers in football history.