Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 3-0 win over Benin
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Oct 7, 2026, 2:46 AM
Last updated Oct 7, 2026
Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina senior men's national football team following a 3-0 victory against Benin. In his final match, Messi scored a penalty and provided two assists. He expressed deep gratitude to his teammates and supporters throughout his 21-year international career, highlighting significant achievements, including winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Messi termed his retirement as the 'saddest day of my career' and pledged to support the national team from the stands going forward.
- •Messi retires after 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.
- •He led Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup and multiple Copa America titles.
- •Fans displayed emotional reactions during his last game, calling him a legend.
- •Messi plans to remain supportive of the national team in the future.
- 2:46 AMYahoo Sports — Lionel Messi's retirement statement in English: Here's what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career
- 2:42 AMYahoo Sports — ‘Don’t go’ – Lionel Messi’s Argentina retirement sparks emotional reactions from fans
- 2:40 AMYahoo Sports — Messi says Argentina retirement is 'saddest day of my career'
"Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina senior men’s national football team after a 3-0 win over Benin. Messi spent 21 years with the national team and is retiring as arguably the greatest sportsman in the history of the country, rivaling the indomitable legacy that Diego Maradona left behind.
"Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the "saddest day of my career" on Tuesday after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin."Now I'm here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you.
"Messi addressed Argentina fans after he concluded his international career on Tuesday. It was a captivating sight.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 2:46 AMLionel Messi's retirement statement in English: Here's what soccer legend said about end to Argentina career
Messi addressed Argentina fans after he concluded his international career on Tuesday. It was a captivating sight.
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 2:42 AM‘Don’t go’ – Lionel Messi’s Argentina retirement sparks emotional reactions from fans
Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina senior men’s national football team after a 3-0 win over Benin. Messi spent 21 years with the national team and is retiring as arguably the greatest sportsman in the history of the country, rivaling the indomitable legacy that Diego Maradona left behind.
- Yahoo SportsOct 7, 2026, 2:40 AMMessi says Argentina retirement is 'saddest day of my career'
Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the "saddest day of my career" on Tuesday after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin."Now I'm here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you.
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