Lionel Messi Retires After 21 Years with Argentina, Scoring in Final Match

Lionel Messi has officially retired from international football after a remarkable 21-year career. His final match took place on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, where he was celebrated by 85,000 fans as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0.

The 39-year-old forward scored his 126th international goal and provided an assist for the opening goal scored by Nicolas Otamendi. The match was a fitting end to Messi’s time with the national team, which he called ‘The Last Tango.’

In a heartfelt speech to fans after the game, Messi expressed pride in representing Argentina for over two decades. He admitted that stepping away from the team would be painful but felt it was the right time to retire. He reflected on the challenges he faced during the last World Cup, particularly as his father was seriously ill.

Before the match, Messi was visibly emotional as he arrived at the stadium, accompanied by his children. A giant jersey with the word ‘Gracias’ was displayed on the pitch, and the crowd paid tribute to him with a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute of the game.

Messi capped off his farewell with a penalty goal in the 71st minute. After the match, a drone show lit up the sky, thanking him for his contributions to football.

Messi’s retirement comes shortly after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain, where he expressed that he had given everything he could to the team. He still has a contract with Inter Miami until 2028 but hinted that he might retire from football sooner than expected.

During his international career, Messi led Argentina to one World Cup victory and two Copa America titles, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest football players of all time.