Up to date Oct. 6, 2026, 10:09 p.m. ET
It was at all times going to be about Lionel Messi.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0, breaking by way of a stout block from the West African guests within the second half. The objective that can eternally keep within the reminiscence, although, was a 71st-minute penalty transformed by Messi.
The evening was about Argentina’s best participant, who introduced his worldwide retirement in August after pushing the Albiceleste to the 2026 World Cup ultimate. 4 years earlier, Messi led Argentina to a primary World Cup triumph since Diego Maradona did the identical in 1986.
That, plus a pair of Copa América titles sandwiched round it, cemented Messi’s standing. Whereas the 39-year-old continues to play at a excessive degree with Inter Miami, he has determined that it’s time for a brand new technology to guide Argentina’s nationwide workforce.
Messi teammates younger and previous have been a part of the match – some on the sphere, with gamers like Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez working to arrange the No. 10, whereas goalkeeper Dibu Martinez was referred to as into motion to maintain Argentina from going behind. Others, together with Angel Di Maria and Sergio Aguero, watched on from the sidelines the place Messi’s mom and his spouse additionally watched. His three sons have been a part of the pre-match ceremony, strolling out with their father because the Estadio Monumental sang his identify.
Argentina followers know there isn’t any changing Messi, however they’ll hope additionally they acquired a glimpse of the long run Tuesday. Artful left-footer Nico Paz, who’s 22, scored a beautiful second objective after Messi assisted one other long-time teammate, heart again Nicolas Otamendi within the forty eighth minute on a nook kick for the opener.
Messi is anticipated to be again in motion Saturday, when Inter Miami hosts D.C. United. He’ll now give attention to his membership profession after closing a chapter with Argentina that lasted 21 years and noticed him go well with up for his nation 207 occasions, scoring 126 targets and offering 69 assists.
What occurred at Messi’s post-match ceremony after his ultimate Argentina sport?
After the drone present and a efficiency from folks singer Soledad Pastorutti, “La Sole”, Messi spoke to the group, reiterating what he stated in his goodbye letter to the followers when he introduced his retirement.
Messi stated he felt grateful for every part, although he wished his late father might’ve been current to see the send-off. He additionally stated Argentina made the World Cup ultimate by itself benefit, not from any sort of referee or FIFA help as some allege.
“The final World Cup, we have been very shut and actually nothing bizarre occurred like folks say. We gave every part. The sport towards England was an enormous effort,” he stated, as followers broke right into a cheer. “We fought like we at all times do, at all times with this shirt with all of the teammates I shared time with on the nationwide workforce, not simply with them once we gained (the 2022 World Cup) but in addition earlier than.
“We couldn’t be champions. We have been shut, however I’ve little doubt that each one teammates I performed with at all times gave every part for this shirt.”
FT: Argentina 3-0 Benin, Messi scores and assists in his ultimate worldwide match
The referee provides Messi the match ball and in addition his pink and yellow playing cards. Gamers on either side go to hug him and provides him a handshake. Followers proceed to sing Messi’s identify.
He is now hugging every Argentina participant as a video montage begins to play. There is also a drone present beginning. The primary formation is an commercial for an insurance coverage firm that followers within the stadium whistle. Now we have got the AFA brand.
95′ Messi sends it over the bar
The storybook ending does not precisely come, with Messi sending it over
93′ Yet another for previous time’s sake?
Messi costs towards the field after turning, and he is taken down by the Benin captain. Messi can have one final free kick for Argentina in his final look.
90′ Free kick for Messi as we go into stoppage time
Messi is having enjoyable on the market. A minute in the past a nook kick ended up falling to him and he tried to fireside it in, eeing his shot saved. Now, he performs a free kick brief and flashes some ability when he will get it again.
88′ Will Messi go the gap?
He is acquired a objective and an help, and he is acquired a sport on Saturday. Scaloni may convey him off for the massive ovation, however maybe that second will wait till the ultimate whistl.
79′ Messi stays on and is joined by the previous and the long run
Giovani Lo Celso, one other of Messi’s previous operating buddies – and a participant who acquired a World Cup probability this summer season after lacking 2022 – checks in with various gamers who shall be a giant a part of what comes subsequent for the Albiceleste.
Franco Mastantuono and Leonel Flores, who’re 19, among the many recent faces Scaloni places on the sphere.
76′ Benin makes modifications, together with GK
Messi and Co. can have a special goalkeeper to shoot at for the ultimate quarter-hour or so of the match, with Marcel Dandjinou popping out and Saturnin Allagbé coming into.
Argentina additionally will make modifications. Let’s have a look at if Messi retains going or if he will get one other ovation.
75′ Messi misses the possibility to make it two!
Oh, it is an important set-up and Messi will get the ball on the in the reduction of however is unable to complete off the transfer. His right-footed poke. goes huge, and he cannot double his whole for the evening.
71′ GOAL Messi scores from the penalty spot
He smashes it previous Marcel Dandjinou for his 126, and his teammates encompass him in a gaggle hug and leap up and down round him.
The printed goes to his spouse and household who’re leaping, too.
It is 3-0 Argentina.
69′ PENALTY! Who might take this…
It is Giay taken down as he goes for the ball within the field, and the referee factors proper to the spot. Messi hasn’t had an incredible penalty file this season. Let’s have a look at if he can convert it on this large evening.
61′ GOAL! It is one for the long run. Nico Paz scores a magnificence
Nicely, the thought is that Nico Paz turns into the subsequent No. 10 for Argentina – although he can have large footwear to fill.
This can be a begin. He simply got here into the sport and already he has doubled the lead with a left-footed roller tucked into the again publish.
This is extra about Paz from a narrative we did throughout the World Cup.
60′ Messi with the free kick … save!
As soon as once more Messi has an opportunity, and it is saved by the Benin shot-stopper
52′ That’ll do it for 2 Argentina nationwide workforce veterans
Otamendi and Tagliafico come off the sphere, and Otamendi – who at present performs his dwelling matches on the Monumental with River Plate – will get an enormous ovation as he goes off.
48′ Messi takes the nook – GOAL!
It is Otamendi who nods within the objective, and he goes straight to Messi to carry up his previous pal and teammate. They’ve performed within the nationwide workforce collectively for greater than 15 years and hyperlink as soon as extra.
Argentina leads, 1-0.
46′ Again underway on the Monumental
The ball is rolling once more, as we’re as soon as once more in motion in Buenos Aires.
Argentina halftime efficiency pays tribute to a special legend
Gaspar Benegas, who led the backing band for pioneering rock frontman Indio Solari, is acting on acoustic guitar, accompanied with a cello. Solari died simply earlier than the World Cup in June.
The printed additionally confirmed Charly Garcia, one other well-known musician who’s a giant soccer fan. He has the Messi jersey on beneath a coat.
HT: Argentina 0-0 Benin
Nicely, the possibilities have been there for Messi early on, however as the sport went on Benin confirmed a little bit of battle and. stemmed the tide.
We head into the break scoreless. We’ll see how lengthy Messi needs to go within the second half – it might depend upon if he is capable of finding the again of the online.
Argentina vs. Benin channel, begin time, streaming
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 6
- The place: Estadio Monumental (Buenos Aires, Argentina)
- Time: 7:30 p.m. ET
- Channel/streaming: ViX (Watch on Prime Video)
44′ Messi with the nook kick once more – too near the keeper
Messi undoubtedly lined up an Olimpico earlier, nevertheless it wasn’t clear if that was a shot or cross. Both manner, Benin’s goalkeeper is ready to accumulate and discover a teammate.
And it is a counter-attack that sees Dibu in motion once more – the falg is up, however this counter was more practical for Benin.
40′ Benin counters, however Martinez comes off his line to gather
The West African facet is not getting ahead usually, and with an opportunity to counter nobody actually goes with Aiyegun Tosin. He tries to hyperlink with a runner, nevertheless it’s the Argentine goalkeeper as an alternative making the play.
32′ Huge! Messi with one other alternative that goes wanting
Lautaro Martinez places an important move into the field for Messi, who bends his physique – and takes a slight shove – to get a contact on it, nevertheless it’s huge of the mark.
26′ Messi wins a free kick and units up over the ball
It is Messi along with his left going for objective from distance! It is one other save by Dandjinou.
Argentina not completely forcing possibilities right here, nevertheless it’s apparent everybody needs to get Messi his objective.
24′ Messi CLOOOOSE however cannot open the scoring
Messi enjoying as a central ahead there, operating. again on facet and De Paul tries to lope a ball excessive for Messi to run onto. The No. 10 slides and will get a foot on it however cannot direct it into the again of the online
19′ Benin finds a half-chance
After Aiyegun Tosin wins the ball on the best facet of Benin’s assault, he crosses for Junior Olaïtan, who has a shot however he cannot put it on the right track.
That is the primary alternative The Cheetahs (fka The Squirrels, which I believe was higher) have had this night.
14′ Probability for Messi, nevertheless it’s offside
The flag is up as Messi and Martinez look to hyperlink up up entrance and discover the opener everybody within the stadium is ready for – even perhaps the Benin gamers to some degree.
10′ A minute of applause for Leo Messi, the No. 10
As The home league did after Messi introduced his worldwide retirement, this match pauses for the tenth minute permitting followers to applaud Messi’s profession.
Scaloni once more very moved. Messi shook fingers with a number of Benin gamers, then held his fingers over his head to thank the group.
As followers chant “Ole, ole, ole, Messi, Messi” he adjusts the captain’s armband and appears able to proceed.
7′ SHOT from Messi, saved
Messi takes the ball, turns and tries a shot along with his legendary left foot, however Marcel Dandjinou, the Benin goalkeeper, is ready to get down and use each fingers to push it away.
6′ Messi seems to be to set issues up, however Benin clears the hazard
Messi will get the ball on the best facet of the field like he enjoys however he cannot hyperlink with Martinez, because the Benin heart again is ready to nod it away.
We’re sill scoreless early.
3′ Messi takes the nook kick
How do you play a match like this in the event you’re certainly one of Messi’s teammate. With respect for Benin, a workforce that always qualifies for the African Cup of Nations, Argentina is a lot better. This needs to be a simple sport. But, everybody will need to showcase Messi.
This nook goes brief, permitting Julian Alvarez to get the ball proper again to him
1′ We’re underway in Lionel Messi’s ultimate match with Argentina
Argentina within the blue-and-white particular shirt, black shorts and white socks towards Benin, the West African nation in all yellow.
Oh, proper, there is a sport to be performed
Benin captain Sessi D’Almeida masses Messi up with items and explains each to him as Messi nods and says “Muchas gracias” on the finish.
The Chilean referee crew performs the coin toss, and we’re about to be underway on the Monumental.
The tears come for Leo Messi
As the ultimate traces of the Argentine anthem arrive “O juremos con gloria morir” Messi cannot sing as his eyes fill with tears. Now, he is shaking the hand of the Benin gamers and the youngsters who walked out with them as followers sing his identify.
Argentina’s anthem begins to sound
Fabia Santana is singing the nationwide anthem, and we see that Argentina supervisor Lionel Scaloni alraedy has a tear rolling down his cheek. Messi’s eyes are dry for now as he places his arms round his children and leans his head again.
Messi and Argentina are on the sphere for the anthems
After a fireworks present and the followers singing “De la mano, de Leo. Messi”, it is time for the nationwide anthem of Benin.
The very best photographs of Messi’s goodbye to Argentina on the Monumental
Right here comes Messi
Messi comes down the tunnel, giving excessive fives to the kids he’ll stroll out with after which hugging his personal children. Argentina is of their navy blue anthem jackets with blue. and white stripes on the sleeves.
The groups shall be welcomed by a Messi tribute throughout the sphere
“GRACIAS 10” reads the enormous jersey stretched throughout the middle of subject, thanking Messi for what he has performed, delivering the World Cup, reaching the ultimate on two different events. The 2 Copa América titles. And what number of different moments the Argentina followers within the Monumental have been in a position to rejoice?
Messi’s children shall be concerned within the pre-game as properly. We simply noticed them within the tunnel.
Leo Messi’s final warm-up photographs with Argentina
Leo Messi ultimate Argentina stats
The sphere is obvious once more as each groups have gone again into their locker rooms forward of the pre-match ceremonies and kickoff.
Messi is making his 208th senior Argentina nationwide workforce expertise. He seems to be so as to add to 125 worldwide targets.
Leo Messi’s identify learn out within the Argentina XI for the ultimate time
This is the way it sounded because the PA learn out Messi’s identify and the group in Buenos Aires responded:
Messi’s former teammates current on the touchline, in containers
When asserting the match, the Argentine federation stated most of the gamers who helped Messi win the 2022 World Cup and different previous teammates can be current.
Lots of them are collectively simply off the sphere, together with Angel Di Maria. Sergio Aguero is in a field up prime. Numerous acquainted faces available to ship Messi off.
Lionel Messi is on the sphere
The No. 10 goes by way of hsi warm-ups chewing on a chunk of gum. Unsurprisingly, it seems to be like he needs to hold on as regular, however he is additionally stealing glances on the banners, indicators and even drums spelling out messages devoted to thanking Messi for the profession he had with Argentina
Dibu Martinez has a Messi tribute in his hair as he takes the sphere
The Argentina goalkeeper Dibu Martinez usually has his hair dyed, however tonight he has his pure colour with the Leo Messi “M” brand minimize into the again of his hair behind his left ear.
Additionally, he is prepared for the final tango – or one thing
Argentina beginning XI to face Benin – Messi begins with many aged pals
Right here is Argentina’s beginning lineup tonight:
Dibu Martinez; Agustin Grey, Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Tagliafico; Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Rodrigo De Paul; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez
Argentina vs. Benin prediction, decide
Argentina has much more high quality than Benin and shall be further motivated to ship Messi off on a excessive.
Prediction: Argentina 4, Benin 0
Benin beginning XI to face Argentina
Tijani Mohamed, the middle again who was shopping for souvenirs when he spoke to Argentine TV yesterday, and Charlotte FC teenager Rodolfo Aloko among the many gamers recognizable to a few of our followers in North America
Right here is the particular jersey & armband Messi will put on tonight in his ultimate Argentina match
Now we see the precise model he’ll be placing on:
Tears for Leo Messi on the bus
Whereas Messi acquired off with a smile, there have been some tears on the bus over to the stadium for Messi.
Now, a lot of his teammates are ready on the sphere as Messi. prepares to take the sphere for warm-ups for the final time.
Leo Messi is within the Monumental
A beaming Messi has come off the bus and entered the stadium for his ‘final tango’. As he acquired off the bus, he regarded on the varied banners and backdrops set as much as rejoice the event, his worldwide retirement.
The group is being handled to some reside music as they file into the stadium.
