Lionel Messi has played his final match for the Argentina national team, ending his international career with 126 goals in 208 appearances.

Operativ Media reports that the 39-year-old forward scored in a friendly match against Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute to make the score 3-0.

Prior to that, the Argentine player provided assists for goals scored by Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz.

In total, Messi played 208 matches and scored 126 goals for Argentina. He ranks second behind Cristiano Ronaldo on the list of all-time top international goalscorers.

As of early October 2026, the 41-year-old Portuguese forward has 146 goals in 234 international appearances. Based on this, the gap between Messi and Ronaldo is 20 goals.

Messi made his debut for Argentina in August 2005 in a friendly against Hungary. During his international career spanning more than 20 years, he won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, the World Cup in 2022, and the Finalissima in the same year.

Although Argentina reached the final of the 2026 World Cup, they lost 0-1 to Spain in extra time in the decisive match.

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31, after which he decided to play a farewell match in front of his home fans.