Leo Messi’s final appearance: Argentina bids farewell to its all-time record scorer

Lionel Messi will play his final game for Argentina on October 6, 2026, against Benin in Buenos Aires. The match, dubbed "The Night That No One Wants to End," marks the end of his 21-year career with the national team. Messi, 39, announced his international retirement after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain.

Messi has played 207 games for Argentina, finishing as its all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, including 21 in World Cups. He appeared in a record-tying six World Cups, according to CityNews. The Argentine Football Association described the farewell match as one that will "transcend sports" and be "full of emotion."

Messi achieved his ultimate ambition of leading Argentina to World Cup victory in Qatar, emulating fellow Argentine great Diego Maradona. His final training sessions and arrival at the national team were posted on social media, with Messi writing that he will miss "special moments." Thousands of fans are expected to attend the farewell game at Estadio Monumental.

Brief written by urgent.news from El Pais English, CityNews — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.