Messi Receives Emotional Farewell as Argentina Beat Benin 3-0

Lionel Messi was given an emotional farewell by Argentina supporters on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, as the legendary No. 10 made his final international appearance for the national team against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The match was briefly stopped in the 10th minute in a special tribute to Messi’s iconic shirt number. Fans inside the packed stadium rose to their feet, applauding the Argentine captain as a powerful moment of recognition unfolded.

The tribute was not limited to the home supporters. Messi’s Argentina teammates joined the applause, while players from Benin also took part in honouring one of football’s most celebrated figures.

The occasion provided a fitting celebration of Messi’s extraordinary international career with Argentina. From his early years with the national team to his triumphs on the biggest stages, the No. 10 has become inseparable from Argentina’s football identity.

Argentina went on to mark the occasion with a convincing 3-0 victory over Benin, giving the home crowd another reason to celebrate. The result ensured that Messi’s farewell night ended with Argentina securing a comfortable win in front of their supporters.

For many inside the Monumental, however, the scoreline was secondary to the significance of the evening. The 10th-minute standing ovation offered supporters an opportunity to thank Messi for the memories, trophies and moments he has provided throughout his international career.

As the applause echoed around Buenos Aires, the sight of Messi wearing Argentina’s famous No. 10 served as a reminder of an era that has defined a generation of Argentine football.

His final international appearance was therefore more than a football match. It became a celebration of Messi, his No. 10 shirt and his enduring place in Argentina’s football history.

Available next action: Create a downloadable PDF file here in this chat containing the finalized decisions and immediate actions above