One last goal. One last night in Argentina colours. Lionel Messi's farewell appearance ended with Argentina beating Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. For fans following from Australia, it was a Wednesday morning to remember: the match took place on 6 October 2026 in Argentina, or 7 October in Brisbane.
The result closes an extraordinary international chapter. For a generation of supporters, Argentina's sky-blue and white shirt has been inseparable from its number 10. Now that shirt carries another memory: the night its captain said goodbye.
Messi's final Argentina game: the result
According to AFA's match report, the teams went into half-time level at 0-0. Argentina then broke through with a goal from Nicolas Otamendi, before Nicolas Paz extended the lead.
Messi scored Argentina's third goal late in the game, giving his farewell a fitting finish. AFA described a full Monumental welcoming its captain for an emotional final appearance in front of the Argentine public.
FIFA had confirmed that the Benin friendly would be Messi's final Argentina appearance following his international retirement announcement. This farewell concerns his national-team career.
The Argentina memories that stay with us
Messi's senior international story began in 2005. It grew through difficult defeats and near misses before Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
In its tribute to the captain, AFA identifies Qatar 2022 as the defining achievement of that journey. The image of Messi lifting the World Cup belongs to football history, but it also belongs to millions of smaller stories: families watching together, children wearing number 10, and supporters finally seeing their captain fulfil the dream.
That is what makes a farewell feel bigger than a friendly. Fans are saying goodbye to a familiar part of their own football lives. The performances end; the memories keep their place.
Argentina colours, beyond the farewell
For supporters in Brisbane and across Australia, an Argentina jersey is a way to keep that connection. Whether your favourite memory is the World Cup win, a Copa America celebration or today's final goal, the meaning comes from the moment you associate with it.
Our adidas Argentina 2026 home jersey and home Messi jersey were sold out when checked on 7 October. Browse the Argentina Supporter Gear collection for current availability, and check each product's size options before ordering. We have no confirmed restock date to announce.
For more on the shirt range, read our Argentina jersey guide. This farewell article marks the international goodbye; the guide covers kit choices.
Messi-inspired football gear available now
Players who want a connection to Messi's football story can also explore his adidas signature range. The following model was in stock when we checked. It is a retail signature product; we have not verified which boots he wore in the farewell match.
adidas F50 Messi Elite FG
Lucid Red / Core Black / Pure Ruby
Sizes 7-12 US available when checked on 7 October, including half sizes. Choose a boot suited to your playing surface; check the product details and fit before ordering.
View Messi F50 bootsBrowse our Messi collection for current products and sizes. Free shipping applies to orders over $150 AUD.
Gracias, Leo
For all the goals and trophies, Messi's Argentina legacy is also about persistence: returning after disappointment, leading through pressure, and giving supporters moments they will pass on to the next generation.
One final goal at the Monumental adds a closing image to that story. Argentina moves forward, but its number 10 has left memories that will stay with the game.
