Lionel Messi ends Argentina career with goal and emotional Buenos Aires farewell

Lionel Messi's farewell brought Argentina supporters to Buenos Aires for the end of a 21-year international career. The Guardian described an emotional final appearance before adoring fans, with Argentina beating Benin 3-0.

This was a retirement from international football. At 39, Messi officially ended his time with Argentina, according to L'Équipe. The occasion combined a final performance on the pitch with a celebration of his years representing the country.

On October 6, Argentina faced Benin in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, according to Adda247 Current Affairs. Messi scored a goal and provided two assists in the victory, Le Monde reported.

The celebration extended beyond the football. NBC News reported that fireworks, family and drones marked Messi's final match in Argentina's colors. GB News put the crowd at 85,000 and reported that supporters also displayed banners claiming ownership of the Falkland Islands.

Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni described it as an emotional day, according to Al Jazeera, whose coverage highlighted his farewell to an irreplaceable Messi.

On October 7, Messi shared his emotions on Instagram. L'Équipe reported that he already missed wearing Argentina's shirt. nu.nl reported that he honored Diego Maradona in his post and that Cristiano Ronaldo responded warmly.

By October 8, further details of the send-off were emerging. CNN Brasil reported that referee Fernando Véjar asked Messi's permission to end the match. India Today also reported on Ronaldo's tribute after the farewell.

Messi's international career is over, rather than merely paused, according to L'Équipe. His comments after the match combined sadness with confidence in the decision: Adnkronos reported that he already missed the national team but felt he had made the right choice.

The aftermath has not been entirely celebratory. The Indian Express reported a coach's claim that Argentina refused Benin players selfies with Messi. Separately, La Nacion reported that the production company explained failures in the tribute and blamed River. Those are attributed complaints, not established findings about responsibility.