Messi scored his final international goal in a farewell match for Argentina on Tuesday, October 6, in Buenos Aires. The match, attended by 85,000 fans, marked the end of his 21-year career with the national team. He celebrated with a bouquet of 126 international goals, a record he holds. Teammates wept as he turned his back on the stage, signaling his retirement from international football.
The Argentina Football Association confirmed Messi’s retirement, acknowledging his legacy as one of the greatest players in the country’s history. Despite retiring, the team will not retire his iconic No.10 jersey. Messi’s farewell was emotional, with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, their three sons, and his mother Celia present. The family moment highlighted the personal significance of his final game.
Messi’s career with Argentina included a controversial victory over England and a World Cup triumph. He has been a central figure in the team’s success, leading the squad to multiple championships. His retirement comes after a 2026 World Cup campaign where he addressed claims of refereeing favoritism, insisting all results were earned through hard work. His final goal was a poignant moment, symbolizing the end of an era for Argentine football.
