Messi ends Argentina career with goal and victory
Lionel Messi scored and created two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his final international appearance, the Guardian, BBC and France 24 reported. The match in Buenos Aires ended his 21-year national-team career after 208 appearances and 126 goals. Argentina and its supporters held tributes before and after the game.
Why it matters
Messi’s retirement closes one of international football’s defining careers and begins Argentina’s transition beyond its World Cup-winning captain.
Sources
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Part of the October 7, 2026 brief.