Messi Ends Argentina Career on a High

By Smile Hamilton Malawi

Lionel Messi has brought his remarkable international career with Argentina to an emotional close, helping the reigning world champions secure a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

The 39-year-old superstar, who first represented Argentina in 2005, received a hero’s farewell as more than 85,000 supporters gathered to witness what was his final appearance for the national side.

Messi marked the occasion in typical fashion, scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after contributing to Argentina’s earlier goals.

His departure closes one of the most successful chapters in Argentine football. Messi finishes his international career as Argentina’s record appearance holder with 208 caps and the country’s leading scorer with 126 goals, in addition to recording 70 assists.

During his time with the national team, Messi helped Argentina end years of disappointment by winning the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, before lifting the biggest prize of all—the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

After nearly two decades in Argentina colours, Messi leaves behind a legacy that has firmly placed his name among the greatest players to ever represent the national team.