Lionel Messi ends Argentina career
Lionel Andrés Messi ended his Argentina career on October 6, 2026, after more than 21 years with the senior team. The 39-year-old captain played his final international against Benin at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Messi scored from the penalty spot and assisted Argentina’s other 2 goals in a 3 to 0 victory. He finished his international career as Argentina’s record holder with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
Lionel Messi chose his exit date
Messi announced his international retirement on August 31, several weeks after Argentina lost the 2026 World Cup final. He communicated the decision in a 3-page handwritten farewell message that was shared on social media.
Messi acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the national team after more than 2 decades. The October 6 friendly against Benin then gave the longtime captain a final appearance for Argentina before supporters in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi gets final celebration
More than 85,000 supporters attended Messi’s final Argentina appearance at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. His family attended the farewell, while former Argentina players and other prominent figures joined the tributes surrounding his final international match.
Messi assisted Nicolás Otamendi for Argentina’s opening goal before setting up Nico Paz for the second. He converted a penalty for the third goal, completing his final international match with 1 goal and 2 assists.
Lionel Messi finishes with records
Messi made his Argentina debut against Hungary in August 2005 at age 18. His first senior appearance ended quickly when he received a red card shortly after entering the international friendly as a second-half substitute.
More than 21 years later, Messi finished as Argentina’s leader in both appearances and goals. His international career stretched across 6 World Cup tournaments and included matches under numerous coaches before ending in Buenos Aires.
Lionel Messi leaves major trophies
Messi’s international résumé includes the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. Argentina defeated Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final before beating Colombia to retain the continental championship in 2024.
Messi also helped Argentina reach the 2014 World Cup final, where they lost to Germany. Argentina returned to the final in 2026, but Spain won 1 to 0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium.
Lionel Messi stars at final World Cup
Messi’s final World Cup produced 8 goals and 4 assists as Argentina reached another final. FIFA awarded him the Silver Ball as the tournament’s second-best player and the Silver Boot as its second-highest scorer.
Spain defeated Argentina 1 to 0 after extra time in the July 19 final at New York New Jersey Stadium. The result denied Argentina consecutive World Cup titles following its 2022 victory over France in Qatar.
Lionel Messi receives national farewell
Messi’s final match sparked public celebrations across Argentina. Reuters reported that landmarks in Buenos Aires displayed Argentina’s colors, while a giant No. 10 shirt carrying a message of thanks marked the occasion in Rosario.
After the final whistle, teammates and others gathered around Messi before a drone show honored his national team career. The farewell closed a senior international run that began when Messi was 18 years old in 2005.
Fun fact: During his European career, Lionel Messi became the first player to score against 40 different UEFA Champions League opponents, setting a competition record at the time.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains with Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo remains available to Portugal as of October 7, 2026. The 41-year-old captain said he remains committed to the national team after leaving Portugal’s Nations League camp following disagreements with coach Jorge Jesus.
Ronaldo apologized for leaving the camp without permission and acknowledged that disciplinary action could follow. He also said he expects to have one or more farewell matches before eventually ending his international career with Portugal.
Cristiano Ronaldo explains camp exit
Ronaldo’s dispute followed Portugal’s 2-1 Nations League win over Norway, when he remained an unused substitute. Ronaldo said Jesus had told him he would play 30 minutes, but he never entered the match.
Ronaldo later said an agreement to publicly clarify the situation was not honored. Jesus disputed Ronaldo’s account, while the Portugal coach subsequently said the national team door remained open for the longtime captain to return.
Cristiano Ronaldo holds world records
Ronaldo holds 2 major men’s international records with Portugal. UEFA listed him with 146 goals in 234 appearances in September 2026, making him the record holder for both men’s international goals and senior international appearances.
Ronaldo made his Portugal debut against Kazakhstan in August 2003 at age 18. His national team honors include the 2016 European Championship and UEFA Nations League titles won with Portugal in 2019 and 2025.
Messi and Ronaldo take different paths
Messi and Ronaldo enter October 2026 at different international stages. Messi completed his planned farewell match with Argentina on October 6, while Ronaldo has said he remains available for Portugal despite his dispute with Jorge Jesus.
Messi announced his international retirement before receiving a farewell match in Buenos Aires. Ronaldo has not announced his international retirement and says he expects one or more farewell matches before eventually ending his Portugal career.
Lionel Messi earns final World Cup honors
FIFA named Messi the Silver Ball winner after Argentina reached the 2026 World Cup final. Spain midfielder Rodri received the Golden Ball, while Messi earned the tournament’s second-highest individual player award at age 39.
France forward Kylian Mbappé won the Golden Boot with 10 goals, while Messi received the Silver Boot with 8. England midfielder Jude Bellingham scored 7 goals and finished third in the tournament’s scoring rankings.
Messi’s years with Argentina have produced defining moments on the biggest international stages. Explore how Lionel Messi’s remarkable journey with Argentina shaped his legacy and transformed his story with the national team.
Lionel Messi closes Argentina chapter
Argentina now moves forward without Messi following his final international appearance in 2026. His departure closes a national team career that began in 2005 and spanned more than 21 years.
Messi continues his club career with Inter Miami after ending his international duty. He leaves senior international football with the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. He also won Olympic gold with Argentina in 2008.
Messi’s return to Miami quickly put the spotlight back on his impact on the field. Lionel Messi returns to Miami with a statement performance that highlights how he made his presence felt after returning to action.
Do you think Messi chose the right time to end his Argentina career while Ronaldo continues with Portugal? Share your take in the comments and tell us what you think.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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