Lionel Messi’s Final International Match: Neymar Pens Emotional Farewell Message for Argentina Icon
Neymar Jr. pays an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentine superstar's final international match against Benin on October 6, 2026. Messi, 39, scored one goal and assisted two in Argentina's 3-0 victory at a packed Estadio Mas Monumental, marking the end of his illustrious 21-year national team career.
Football fans worldwide witnessed a poignant moment yesterday as Lionel Messi concluded his illustrious 21-year international career with the Argentina national team, delivering a masterclass performance in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin. Adding to the emotion, Brazilian forward and long-time friend Neymar Jr. took to social media to express his profound gratitude to the departing maestro. Lionel Messi to Receive University of Buenos Aires Honorary Degree Ahead of Argentina Farewell Match.
Neymar's Emotional Farewell to Lionel Messi
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Neymar's touching Instagram message, posted hours before Messi's final kick of a ball for La Albiceleste, resonated deeply across the footballing world. “Anyone who loves football has enjoyed you throughout all these years,” Neymar wrote. “Today is your last game with the shirt of your national team, of your country, and I hope you enjoy every second, may all the tributes today make you happy. It's not only Argentina that thanks you, the whole world thanks you for everything you've done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more. It was an honor to have played against you, and even more so to have made history alongside you. THANK YOU, Leo Messi.”
A Star's Swansong Performance
Messi, at 39 years old, bid farewell in spectacular fashion at the Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner captained Argentina in his 208th and final international appearance, lighting up the pitch with a goal and two assists.
The match, dubbed 'The Last Tango', saw veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi open the scoring in the 48th minute from a Messi assist. Young talent Nico Paz then doubled Argentina's lead in the 61st minute, also set up by Messi. Fittingly, Messi himself converted a penalty in the 71st minute, securing Argentina's 3-0 victory and bringing his remarkable international goal tally to 126. Did Lionel Messi Delete His Instagram Post Claiming 'GOAT Debate: Settled'? Fact Check Finds Claim False.
The 85,000-strong crowd at El Monumental, many brought to tears, provided a deafening ovation for their national hero, celebrating a career that saw Messi clinch the 2022 FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles (2021 and 2024), and the 2022 Finalissima.
Match Details & Stats
Here are the key facts from Lionel Messi's international farewell:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Match | Argentina vs Benin (International Friendly) |
| Date & Time | Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 20:00 ART (23:00 UTC) |
| Venue | Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Final Score | Argentina 3 - 0 Benin |
| Messi's Stats | 1 Goal (penalty), 2 Assists (for Otamendi & Paz) |
| Attendance | 85,000 |
| Messi's Age | 39 years old |
| Messi's Final Cap | 208th international appearance |
| Messi's Total Goals | 126 international goals |
The emotional farewell marked the end of an era for Argentine football, but Messi's legacy, profoundly impactful on both teammates and rivals like Neymar, will undoubtedly continue to inspire generations of players and fans alike. Messi will now focus on his club career with Inter Miami, where he is contracted until 2028.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2026 10:49 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
