Lionel Messi is set to bring the curtain down on his remarkable Argentina career with a final appearance against Benin on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward announced his retirement from international football on August 31, 2026, but was subsequently recalled by Argentina for what is expected to be his farewell match.
The former Barcelona ace leaves the international stage as Argentina’s most-capped player and record goalscorer, having made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for the world champions.
His international journey began in 2005, when he made his senior debut as an 18-year-old. More than two decades later, he has established himself as one of the most decorated players in football history.
From years of heartbreak to World Cup glory
The Argentina captain’s early years with Argentina were marked by disappointment despite his individual brilliance.
He guided Argentina to the 2014 World Cup final, only for Germany to claim victory in extra time. He also suffered defeats in the 2015 Copa América and 2016 Copa América Centenario finals against Chile.
The repeated setbacks eventually led Messi to announce his international retirement in 2016. However, public pressure in Argentina persuaded him to return.
Messi helped Argentina end a 28-year wait for a major international trophy at the 2021 Copa América, beating Brazil in the final. He was named player of the tournament after contributing directly to nine of Argentina’s 12 goals.
He then added the 2022 Finalissima, before reaching the pinnacle of his international career at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
World Cup triumph cemented his legacy
Messi scored twice in the final against France as Argentina prevailed on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw.
He finished the tournament with seven goals and three assists and became the first player to win the World Cup Golden Ball twice.
Argentina retained the Copa América title in 2024, with Messi setting a record for the most appearances in the history of the competition.
His final World Cup campaign came in 2026, when Argentina reached the final for a second successive tournament.
Messi scored eight goals and supplied four assists during the competition. He also became the leading men’s World Cup goalscorer before Kylian Mbappé eventually surpassed his mark during the tournament.
Despite Argentina losing 1-0 to Spain after extra time in the final, he was awarded the Silver Ball and Silver Boot.
A career packed with records
Messi’s international numbers form only part of an extraordinary career.
The forward has won 47 major team trophies and scored more than 930 senior goals for club and country, while also providing more than 420 assists.
At Barcelona, where he spent the majority of his career, the Argentine won 34 trophies, including 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League crowns. He remains the club’s record goalscorer with 672 goals.
His move to Inter Miami in 2023 has also produced further success, including the club’s first MLS Cup triumph in 2025. He has won the MLS MVP award in both 2024 and 2025.
Messi’s individual collection includes a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and six European Golden Shoes.
Messi’s one final appearance
Now, however, the focus is on Buenos Aires.
Messi is expected to wear Argentina’s famous number 10 shirt one last time when he faces Benin at the Monumental.
For a player who endured years of criticism before eventually delivering the country’s biggest prizes, the occasion represents the closing chapter of one of football’s greatest international stories.
From the disappointment of three consecutive final defeats to Copa América glory and World Cup triumph, Messi’s Argentina journey has ultimately ended with him firmly established among the game’s all-time greats.
