Lionel Messi brought his career with the Argentine national team to a perfect close, as befits his fairy-tale journey with the national team.

The 39-year-old superstar scored a penalty kick and recorded two assists in the 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the packed “Monumental” stadium.

“Leo,” who could not hide his emotion both upon the arrival of the “Albiceleste” team bus at the stadium, nor when the national anthem was played, did exactly what he does best in his 208th and final appearance in the national team jersey.

#HonduredDeportes | With tears in his eyes, Lionel Messi sings the Argentine national anthem in his final match with the national team.®

Courtesy of TyC Sports. https://t.co/fJost4uGS4

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— Hondured 13 Oficial (@HonduredOficial) October 6, 2026

In the 48th minute, he took a corner kick and set up Nicolás Otamendi for the 1-0 goal, which Otamendi scored in his final match with Argentina.

OTAMENDI GOAAAAALLLL, MESSI ASSIST!!!!!!!!!!! OF COURSE, OF COURSE—THIS DUO!!!!!!!!! MESSI ASSIST IN HIS LAST DANCE, GOAAAALLL!!!!!!!

1-0 ARGENTINA https://t.co/nFElHmB2ym

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— GoalAlert HQ (@GoalAlertHQ) October 7, 2026

In the 62nd minute, the player widely regarded as his successor at the “No. 10” position for Argentina, Nico Paz, received the ball from him and, with a magnificent left-footed shot just outside the box, made it 2-0.

In the 71st minute, it was Messi’s turn to score, on a penalty kick earned by Agustín Giai.

With this goal, “Leo” reached 932 career goals and 126 for Argentina, while also reaching 426 assists, 67 of which came while wearing his national team’s jersey.

The game was paused in the 10th minute to honor Argentina’s legendary “No. 10,” while dozens of fireworks lit up the night sky over Buenos Aires.

The crowd never stopped cheering for Messi throughout the match, thanking him for everything he has given them over the past 20 years—and especially for the World Cup and the two Copa América titles he brought to country as captain of the national team.

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Lionel Messi’s 10th-minute goal

https://t.co/1B3sYbOAFH

— FUTEMENTALES (@FUTEMENTALES) October 6, 2026

At the end of the match, he was swamped by the embraces of teammates and opponents, while an impressive drone show began in the sky with the central message, “Thank you for everything, Leo.” In fact, the display even formed an image of him holding the 2022 World Cup trophy in Qatar.

Argentina just gave Messi the greatest drone farewell of all time. Look at that kid who looked up with tears in his eyes. https://t.co/rdwUU8COzf

— Omo Barca (@Tobs_fc) October 7, 2026

*photo source: AP