Lionel Messi’s final appearance for the Argentina national team has sparked plenty of conversation, particularly over the choice of Benin Republic as the opponent for the football legend’s farewell match.
With some of the biggest football nations in the world available as potential opponents, including France, Spain, Portugal, Colombia, Brazil and England, Argentina eventually welcomed the Cheetahs of Benin Republic for the emotional occasion.
The decision generated reactions from football fans who wondered why Argentina did not select one of the more established football powers for Messi’s final international appearance.
The match, played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6, was organised as a farewell occasion for Messi after his decision to bring his international career to an end.
Rather than turning into a one-sided exhibition, however, the game produced a memorable night for the Argentine captain.
Argentina defeated Benin Republic 3–0 in front of a huge home crowd, with Messi playing a central role in the victory. The 39-year-old scored from the penalty spot and provided assists for goals scored by Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz.
The performance gave Messi a fitting ending to a 21-year international career that has included three major tournament triumphs — the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 2024 Copa América.
The match was also Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina, further extending his record number of international appearances for the country. His final goal took his Argentina tally to 126, according to reports following the match.
Before the game, Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou had made it clear that his team would not simply be there to participate in a ceremonial occasion.
Dandjinou said Benin would respect Messi but would also represent its own country and compete seriously. He rejected the idea of deliberately giving the Argentine star an easy opportunity to score, insisting that football should remain competitive.
That competitive attitude was evident during the first half, when Benin managed to keep Argentina from scoring despite sustained pressure.
Argentina eventually broke through after the interval, with Messi helping to create the opening goal before assisting Nico Paz and later converting the penalty that completed the 3–0 victory.
For Benin, being selected for the historic occasion provided a major moment for the country's football, while for Argentina, the choice ultimately produced the farewell the organisers wanted.
The debate over the opponent may continue, but Messi's performance ensured that the night belonged to him — and he signed off from international football with a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell from the Argentine crowd.