# Messi's Final Farewell in Argentina

> Lionel Messi ends his Argentina career with a farewell match against Benin.
- Title: Messi's Final Farewell in Argentina · Buenos Aires Times
- Summary: Lionel Messi ends his Argentina career with a farewell match against Benin. Lionel Messi concludes his international career with a 7-0 victory over Burkina…
- Keywords: messi, argentina, benin, albiceleste, world cup, 2022 world cup, copia america, finalissima, inter miami, lautaro martinez, julian alvarez, cristian romero
- Source: Buenos Aires Times — https://batimes.com.ar/news/sports/messi-readies-for-final-farewell-in-argentina-send-off-against-benin.phtml
- Author: Tomás Viola, AFP
- Published: 2026-10-05T16:13:12+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: messi, argentina, benin, albiceleste, world cup, 2022 world cup, copia america, finalissima, inter miami, lautaro martinez, julian alvarez, cristian romero
## Messi's farewell match
Lionel Messi will play his final international game against Benin on Tuesday at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
## 39-year-old Messi steps down
Messi, 39, will hand over the captain's armband after 207 games and 125 goals, his record for Argentina.
## Record-breaking career
Messi holds Argentina's record for most appearances and goals with 125 goals in 207 games and 68 assists.
## World Cup final loss
Messi exited in tears after Argentina lost the 2022 World Cup final to Spain in New Jersey two and a half months ago.
## Messi's retirement statement
Messi wrote he has nothing left to give and that younger players deserve their chance.

> I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance
## New captain Cristian Romero
Cristian Romero will inherit Messi's captaincy after the match, following his 2022 World Cup success.
## Argentina's 7-0 victory
Argentina defeated Burkina Faso 7-0 with goals from Franco Mastantuono and Gianluca Prestianni.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi concludes his international career with a 7-0 victory over Burkina Faso before a farewell friendly against Benin.