By Dwayne Ferreira.
Lionel Messi ends his 21-year Argentina career with a goal and two assists against Benin, as Cristiano Ronaldo pays tribute to his great rival.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – One of the most remarkable international careers in football history came to an emotional conclusion as Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a memorable 3–0 victory over Benin before more than 85,000 supporters.
The farewell match, played at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on October 6, marked the end of Messi’s 21-year journey with the Argentine national team.
For a generation of football supporters, the sight of Messi wearing Argentina’s famous blue-and-white jersey became inseparable from the country’s identity on the international stage.
His final appearance was more than a football match. It was a national celebration of an extraordinary sporting career that brought World Cup glory and restored Argentina to the summit of international football.
One Final Moment of Messi Magic
Even in his farewell appearance, the 39-year-old demonstrated the remarkable vision, composure and technical brilliance that defined his career.
Messi contributed to all three of Argentina’s goals against Benin.
He created opportunities for Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz before converting a penalty in the second half to register his 126th international goal.
The occasion was filled with emotion as supporters applauded their departing hero, celebrating the man who had delivered some of the most memorable moments in Argentina’s football history.
For many of those in attendance, the result was secondary.
They had gathered to witness the final international appearance of a player whose name had become synonymous with footballing excellence.
A Career Defined by Triumph, Heartbreak and Redemption
Messi’s international journey was not always one of uninterrupted success.
Despite achieving extraordinary individual accomplishments at club level, he endured years of disappointment with Argentina before eventually securing the major international honours that had long eluded him.
The country’s victory in the 2021 Copa América proved transformative.
It ended a lengthy wait for a major international trophy and removed some of the pressure that had surrounded Messi’s national-team career.
The triumph was followed by Argentina’s unforgettable victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
That achievement helped establish Messi’s place among football’s greatest figures, alongside legends such as Diego Maradona and Pelé.
Argentina subsequently retained the Copa América in 2024, strengthening Messi’s international legacy.
His career became a story not simply of exceptional talent but also of persistence, disappointment, resilience and eventual triumph.
Cristiano Ronaldo Pays Respect to His Greatest Rival
Messi’s retirement also prompted a notable response from Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.
For much of the past two decades, Messi and Ronaldo have dominated discussions about footballing greatness.
Their extraordinary individual records, contrasting playing styles and fierce competition during their years in Spanish football helped create one of the most celebrated rivalries in sporting history.
However, Ronaldo’s reaction to Messi’s international farewell reflected admiration rather than competition.
The Portuguese forward publicly acknowledged the Argentine’s achievements and expressed respect for his extraordinary contribution to international football.
The gesture was significant because the rivalry between the two players shaped an entire era of global football.
While supporters often divided themselves into opposing camps, both players consistently raised expectations of what could be achieved through individual excellence.
Ronaldo’s tribute demonstrated that professional admiration can endure beyond even the most intense sporting rivalries.
Football Faces a Future Without Messi in Argentina Colours
Messi’s retirement creates a challenge for Argentina as it prepares for the next phase of its international development.
Replacing a player of his stature cannot be reduced to selecting another attacking midfielder or forward.
Messi’s influence extended beyond scoring goals and providing assists. His presence affected how opponents defended, how teammates constructed attacks and how Argentina managed pressure in important matches.
Future generations of Argentine footballers will inevitably be measured against the extraordinary standards he established.
Nevertheless, Argentina’s success must now depend on collective development rather than the presence of one exceptional individual.
The national team will need to establish new leaders while preserving the competitive mentality that contributed to its recent international achievements.
The End of a Sporting Generation
For football fans in Sri Lanka and around the world, Messi’s farewell is particularly poignant.
Many supporters grew up watching his spectacular performances, following his rivalry with Ronaldo and debating which of the two deserved to be regarded as the greatest footballer of their generation.
His departure from international football is therefore the conclusion of a shared sporting experience that extended across countries, cultures and generations.
Although his playing career at club level continues, the opportunity to see Messi represent Argentina has now come to an end.
He leaves behind extraordinary records, unforgettable goals and a World Cup victory that transformed his international legacy.
The blue-and-white jersey will be worn by others. But the era of Lionel Messi representing Argentina has ended, leaving memories that football supporters will cherish for decades.
Reporting sources:
Reuters, 6–8 October 2026; The Guardian — Messi’s farewell; Reuters — Ronaldo tribute
