BUENOS AIRES, Argentina - Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi closed out a 21-year international career Tuesday night with a goal and two assists, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where La Albiceleste wore a special commemorative kit in his honor.
Messi was directly involved in all three goals. He set up Nicolás Otamendi from a corner kick in the 48th minute, assisted Nico Paz in the 61st minute, and converted a penalty in the 71st minute to put the result beyond doubt.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner retires from international play as Argentina’s all-time leader in caps (208), goals (126) and assists (70). His international career began in 2005 and produced four titles: the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América, and the 2022 Finalissima. He played in nine finals across those campaigns.
In FIFA World Cup competition alone, Messi holds records for most appearances (34), wins (23), assists (12) and total goal contributions (33 - 21 goals and 12 assists). He is one of two players to have appeared in six editions of the tournament and the only player in history to score in six consecutive knockout-stage matches and in nine consecutive World Cup matches overall. In CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying, he is the all-time leading scorer with 36 goals across 72 appearances.
With the international chapter closed, Messi returns to Fort Lauderdale, where Inter Miami CF - the reigning MLS Cup champions - are pushing through the final stages of the 2026 MLS regular season. The club has four home matches remaining at Nu Stadium before the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs begin. Season Ticket Members for the 2027 MLS Sprint Season will receive priority access to purchase tickets for Inter Miami’s home playoff games.