Lionel Messi nets goal in 'saddest day of career,' bids farewell to Argentina

Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina on October 7, 2026, contributing a goal and two assists in a 3-0 victory over Benin in an international friendly at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi described the occasion as the 'saddest day' of his career, marking the end of his international tenure with the Argentine national team. The match was attended by a large crowd who witnessed Messi wave farewell after the game.