Lionel Messi retires from Argentina national team after 21 years

Lionel Messi Argentina national team international retirement Benin vs Argentina football legend

Lionel Messi has officially retired from the Argentina national team, concluding a 21-year international career. His final appearance took place at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where Argentina defeated Benin 3-0. During this farewell match, Messi recorded one goal and two assists, bringing his career totals to 126 international goals and 208 appearances.

The match also served as a farewell for defender Nicolás Otamendi, who scored in the victory. Following the game, Messi shared an emotional message on Instagram, thanking his family, teammates, and the country, while also paying tribute to the late Diego Maradona.

In a show of respect, long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo left a message on Messi's social media, stating, “Leo, your story will live forever. I give all my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina.”

However, the event was not without controversy. The Benin Football Federation expressed dissatisfaction with the match arrangements, citing a lack of revenue sharing, no bonuses, and restrictions that prevented their players from exchanging jerseys or taking photos with Argentine stars. Additionally, discussions have emerged regarding whether FIFA regulations might prevent Argentina from officially retiring Messi's iconic number 10 jersey.

Entities

Argentina national football team · Argentina national team · Benin · Benin Football Federation · Benin National Team · Benin national football team · Cristiano Ronaldo · Diego Maradona · Enzo Fernández · Estadio Monumental · Lionel Messi · Nicolás Otamendi

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Nicolás Otamendi also said goodbye to the national team during the same match. d10.ultimahora.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Messi reached 208 appearances and 126 goals for the Argentine national team. d10.ultimahora.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Enzo Fernández was visibly emotional and cried during Messi's farewell speech.
[● 3 SOURCES] Messi scored a penalty goal during his final match for Argentina. www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com
[● 7 SOURCES] Messi expressed that he already misses wearing the Argentina national team jersey. radiotupambae.com.ar · www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com · www.elsureste.com.mx · santotomealdia.com.ar · +2 more
[● 6 SOURCES] The match was attended by more than 85,000 spectators. www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com · quenoticias.com · diarioparaguayo.com · ts.mk · +1 more
[● 6 SOURCES] Messi confirmed he is closing his cycle with the Argentine national team. radiotupambae.com.ar · www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com · www.elsureste.com.mx · lamanyana.cat · +1 more
[● 22 SOURCES] Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly match at the Monumental Stadium. radiotupambae.com.ar · www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com · quenoticias.com · rtn.com.ar · +12 more
[● 10 SOURCES] Messi recorded one goal and two assists in his final appearance. quenoticias.com · www.diarioestrategia.cl · d10.ultimahora.com · lamanyana.cat · www.072info.com · +3 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Messi's final match was a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. quenoticias.com
[● 23 SOURCES] Lionel Messi has retired from the Argentina national team. paranadeportes.com.ar · quenoticias.com · radiotupambae.com.ar · www.elsureste.com.mx · rtn.com.ar · +14 more
[○ 1 SOURCE] Teammate Nicolas Tagliafico praised Messi's perseverance and refusal to give up.