Argentine footballer Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football on Tuesday, confirming he will wear the national team jersey for the final time in a friendly match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The captain, aged 39, stated that he was leaving the national team in peace after giving everything of himself for the jersey. He added that representing Argentina had been his dream, his pride, and his life, while expressing gratitude to supporters for their love over his career.
Messi released his farewell message in a video published on social media channels by his sponsoring sports brand. The video rewired key moments from his international career set to the song Gracias a la Vida by Argentine singer Mercedes Sosa.
The tribute video ends with the forward approaching Argentina's number 10 shirt hanging on a hanger, adjusting the jersey, and walking away to symbolize the conclusion of an international career spanning more than two decades.
Sosa, who died in 2009, was an iconic Argentine folk singer known throughout Latin America, while the national side is popularly known as the Albiceleste after the light blue and white stripes of their home kit.
Farewell Match at Estadio Monumental
The sold out exhibition match against West African nation Benin is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 p.m. local time on Tuesday evening, corresponding to midnight in Lisbon. Organizers arranged extensive pre match tributes, live music performances, and appearances by several of Messi's former national team squad members.
Located in the Nunez neighborhood of the capital city, the Estadio Monumental is Argentina's largest sports venue and serves as the primary home ground for both domestic club River Plate and the national team.
Tuesday's fixture marks Messi's 208th senior appearance for Argentina since his international debut in 2005. Born in Rosario, the forward has scored 125 goals and provided 66 assists for his country, making him the most capped player, top goalscorer, and leading assist provider in Argentina's history.
Across his career, Messi represented Argentina at six FIFA World Cups: Germany in 2006, South Africa in 2010, Brazil in 2014, Russia in 2018, Qatar in 2022, and the 2026 tournament in North America. He scored 21 goals in 34 World Cup matches and remains the all-time leading goalscorer in South American World Cup qualifying history with 36 goals.
Trophies and International Honors
During his time with the national team, Messi led Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar alongside consecutive Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024. His international trophy cabinet also includes the 2022 Finalissima, the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championship under 20 title, and an Olympic gold medal won at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, Messi built his reputation during a lengthy club tenure at FC Barcelona, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns before later spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Major League Soccer club Inter Miami. The Finalissima is an official intercontinental match contested between the champions of South America and Europe.
Beyond the match in Buenos Aires, Argentine football authorities announced a nationwide tribute across the domestic league for the upcoming matchday. Every game in the next round of fixtures in Argentina will pause at the 10th minute to honor Messi and his famous shirt number.
Off Pitch Business Agreements
Alongside his international retirement, reports indicate that Messi is expanding his financial investments in European football. The forward has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Spanish club Eldense, becoming an owner of the team.
Club Deportivo Eldense is a Spanish football club based in Elda, within the Community of Valencia, historically competing in the lower divisions of the Spanish football league system.
