Messi scores and assists twice in final Argentina match, 3-0 win over Benin
In short
Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6 local time in what the outlets describe as Lionel Messi's final international match. The 39-year-old scored once and set up two goals, taking his Argentina record to 126 goals in 208 caps. Defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38 and also retiring, scored one of the goals from a Messi corner.
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Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6 local time in the final international match of Lionel Messi's career, according to the three outlets covering it. The 39-year-old scored once and made two assists, and Japan-based outlets reported the match on October 7 Japan time. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Mynavi News and Livedoor News report that Messi's second-half set pieces shaped the scoreline. Mynavi News says Nicolás Otamendi, a 38-year-old defender who has also announced his retirement, scored in the 48th minute from a Messi corner, his ninth international goal, and then left the pitch to a standing ovation; Livedoor News places the goal in the fourth minute of the second half. Messi then set up substitute Nicolás Paz, 22, who scored with a left-footed shot from outside the box, and in the 68th minute Messi converted a penalty after Agustín Giay was fouled, taking his Argentina record to 126 goals in 208 caps, the documents say. Mynavi News adds that he hit the post in the 89th minute and sent a final free kick over the crossbar. [ 1 , 3 ]
The farewell drew tributes during the match. Mynavi News reported that kickoff was delayed by about 30 minutes because of a pre-match event, and that play stopped in the 10th minute for applause marking Messi's No. 10 shirt. Livedoor News also described the first-half interruption, with players from both teams and spectators applauding and fireworks being set off. Mynavi News said the 2022 World Cup final squad re-assembled for the occasion. [ 1 , 3 ]
After the final whistle, according to Livedoor News, the referee walked up to Messi and handed him a yellow card and a red card as a surprise. The outlet reported that the DAZN broadcast commentary remarked it might have been a mark of respect from the referee, and that fans posted reactions on X, asking what it meant and calling it a commemorative gift. [ 3 ]
TBS NEWS DIG reported that Messi cried after the match ended and that the stadium chanted his name, calling him the “GOAT” in its headline. TBS NEWS DIG also said Messi announced his retirement from the national team after the FIFA North America World Cup. [ 2 ]
Mynavi News set out the record behind the farewell: Messi debuted for Argentina against Hungary on August 18, 2005, and before the Benin match had 207 caps and 125 goals, both national records. It listed six consecutive World Cups with 34 matches and 21 goals, the 2022 Qatar title, two Copa América wins and the 2022 Finalissima. [ 1 ]
Why it matters
The match closes the international career of Argentina's record appearance-maker and goalscorer, as reported by the outlets covering it. The 2022 World Cup-winning squad re-assembled for the occasion, which the coverage frames as the end of one generation and a handover to younger players such as the 22-year-old Nicolás Paz, who scored. Because a global star is involved, the farewell draws attention well beyond Argentina.
Key facts
- Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires in Lionel Messi's final international match. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Messi, 39, scored one goal and provided two assists on his 208th cap. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- His penalty in the 68th minute was his 126th goal for Argentina, after 207 caps and 125 goals before the match. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
- Nicolás Otamendi, 38, who is also retiring, scored from a Messi corner in the second half, his ninth international goal, and left the pitch to a standing ovation. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Nicolás Paz, 22, came on and scored from a Messi pass. [ 1 , 3 ]
- Kickoff was delayed by about 30 minutes because of a pre-match event, and play stopped in the 10th minute for applause honouring Messi's No. 10 shirt. [ 1 , 3 ]
- After the match the referee handed Messi a yellow card and a red card, a moment that drew reactions from fans online. [ 3 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The exact minute of Otamendi's goal Mynavi News places it in the 48th minute, while Livedoor News says it came in the fourth minute of the second half, a difference the documents do not explain.
- The referee handing Messi a yellow and red card after the final whistle Only Livedoor News reports this detail; no other document mentions it.
- The roughly 30-minute delay to kickoff and the details of the pre-match ceremony Only Mynavi News describes the ceremony and the delay.
- Otamendi, who is also retiring from the national team, scored in the second half from a Messi corner. Reported by a single source so far
- Messi converted a penalty in the second half for his 126th goal. Reported by a single source so far
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Mynavi News publishes its detailed match report on Messi's final Argentina appearance. [ 1 ]
- TBS NEWS DIG publishes its report on the 3-0 win, Messi's goal and two assists and his tears after the final whistle. [ 2 ]
- Livedoor News publishes its report on the referee handing Messi a yellow and red card and the reaction from fans online. [ 3 ]