# Messi's final farewell

> Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 21-year career.
- Title: Messi's final farewell · Buenos Aires Times | Shortify
- Summary: Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 21-year career. Lionel Messi retired from international football after 21 years with Argentina…
- Keywords: lionel messi, argentina national team, world cup, messi retirement, 2022 world cup, inter miami, barcelona, paris saint-germain, seahawks, nfl, news, politics
- Source: Buenos Aires Times — https://batimes.com.ar/news/sports/emotion-tears-as-messi-retires-from-argentina-national-team.phtml
- Published: 2026-10-07T03:21:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lionel messi, argentina national team, world cup, messi retirement, 2022 world cup, inter miami, barcelona, paris saint-germain, seahawks, nfl, news, politics
## Messi's final match
Lionel Messi played his 208th international match in a 3-0 victory over Benin.
## 208th cap
Messi scored his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters.
## Emotional farewell
Messi wiped tears as he walked to the pitch with his children and family.
## Last World Cup
Messi cited his late father's illness and the 2022 World Cup as reasons for retirement.
## Final tribute
A drone show thanked Messi for his career after the match.
## Family support
Messi's wife and mother watched from a VIP box during the match.
## Key takeaway

Lionel Messi retired from international football after 21 years with Argentina, citing his late father's illness and the World Cup campaign as reasons.