Sport Oct 7, 2026 Updated Oct 8, 2026
Mesi scores goal and two assists in final Argentina match against Benin
- Lionel Mesi played his 208th and final match for the Argentine national team in a friendly against Benin, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory.
- Mesi played all 90 minutes of the match, scored his 126th goal for Argentina, and delivered a nearly ten-minute farewell speech to the crowd.
- Mesi announced his retirement from the national team in August 2026, following Argentina's loss in the World Cup final, and was emotionally affected during the match, including during the national anthem.
AI-generated summary. Read the original reporting at the sources below.
Coverage · 6 sources
Beta Oct 7, 2026
Mesi se oprostio od dresa Argentine
- Lionel Messi played his 208th and final match for Argentina, scoring a penalty in the second half to reach 126 goals for the national team.
- Messi announced his retirement from the national team in August, stating it was "time" to do so, and he expressed deep pride in wearing the jersey for over 20 years.
- Messi received a standing ovation from teammates, staff, and fans, and he said he would continue to support the team as a fan, acknowledging the difficult challenges ahead.
Nedeljnik Oct 7, 2026
Mesi se oprostio od dresa Argentine
- Lionel Mesi je završio karijeru u argentinskoj reprezentaciji sa golom i dvema asistencijama u prijateljskoj utakmici protiv Benina.
- Mesi je odigrao 90 minuta, izrazio žalost zbog prelaska u zemljinu reprezentaciju i izjavio da je nositi dres reprezentacije najlepša stvar.
- Njegovi saigrači i navijači su ga ispratili stajaćim ovacijama, dok je Mesi bio vidno dirnut tokom izvođenja nacionalne himne.
Politika Oct 7, 2026
Сузе, овације и гол за крај: Меси се опростио од Аргентине - Politika
- Lionel Messi scored a penalty and provided two assists in his final match for Argentina against Benin.
- Messi announced his retirement from the national team in August, citing it was "time" to do so after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain.
- Messi received a standing ovation from fans and teammates during his farewell match, which was marked by celebrations and emotional moments.
Danas Oct 7, 2026
Suze, prekid u desetom minutu i duel za pamćenje: Gol i dve asisistencije Mesija u poslednjem meču za Argentinu
- Lionel Messi played his final match for the Argentine national team, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory over Benin.
- The match was dedicated to Messi, with a large jersey bearing the number 10 and the message "Gracias" (Thank you) displayed at the stadium.
- The game was paused in the 10th minute for the crowd to honor Messi, and he later thanked the fans, calling it a great honor to wear the national team's jersey.
Insajder Oct 7, 2026
Mesi se oprostio od reprezentacije Argentine uz gol i dve asistencije pred 80.000 gledalaca
- Lionel Mesi scored a goal and provided two assists in his final match for the Argentine national team, which ended in a 3-0 victory over Benin.
- Mesi played 208 matches for Argentina and scored 126 goals, winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa America titles, and the Finalissima.
- The match, attended by 80,000 spectators at the Monumental stadium, saw Mesi assist Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute and Nico Paz in the 61st minute.
Telegraf Oct 7, 2026
Da se naježiš! Ceo stadion je plakao tokom Mesijevog oproštajnog govora: "Ne želim da napustim teren..."
- Lionel Messi said he does not want to leave the field during his farewell speech at the stadium.
- Messi thanked the fans and his teammates, saying he played 20 years for the Argentine national team.
- Messi said he will always be proud to be an Argentine and that he loves the fans.
