Lionel Messi Ends Argentina Career with Goal in 3-0 Win Over Benin
Lionel Messi brought his 21-year Argentina career to a close with a 3-0 victory over Benin at Estadio Monumental, signing off with two assists and a 71st-minute penalty. The Inter Miami forward’s final international goal took his total for Argentina to 126 as an emotional night unfolded in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old leaves the national side having achieved the prize that had long eluded him, captaining Argentina to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. That success completed a defining chapter of his international career and gave added weight to a farewell in which he struggled to contain his emotions.
Addressing the home support, Messi dedicated the occasion to his father, Jorge, who died in August. “It’s a lot of emotions. Obviously the first thing I think about is my dad,” he said. “All that remains is for me to say thank you. Wearing this shirt for 20 years has meant so much to me. I never stopped trying, fighting or wanting to be here.”
He also admitted that leaving the Argentina set-up would be painful. “Not coming back will cause great sadness,” Messi said. “I would love to return forever, because playing in Argentina is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
Modric salutes a familiar rival
Luka Modric, now with AC Milan, paid tribute to Messi after a rivalry that stretched across Spanish football and the international stage. The pair faced one another 27 times, with Modric recording 10 wins and five draws against Messi, alongside 12 defeats.
The Croatian midfielder said retirement was Messi’s choice to make, while recognising what the World Cup triumph meant to his former La Liga opponent. “It is a shame that he is retiring, but it is his decision and we must respect it,” Modric said. “He achieved something extraordinary with the national team; he won the World Cup that he wanted so much.”
Modric added that Messi’s quality had made their meetings difficult, whether he was representing Croatia or Real Madrid. He described the Argentine as among the finest players in the world and “a unique player”, saying it had been a privilege to watch him despite the challenges of playing against him.
Messi will now return to the United States and focus fully on Inter Miami. Without the demands of South American travel and international windows, the forward will have greater scope to manage his workload in the latter stage of his club career. Modric, meanwhile, continues his own veteran campaign with Milan as he pursues Serie A honours.
