Lionel Messi has officially ended his international football career following a final appearance for Argentina in a friendly match against Benin. The game, held in Buenos Aires, served as a farewell for the long-time captain, who concludes a 21-year journey with the national side.

Messi’s retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, during which he became the nation's most capped player and all-time leading goalscorer. While the match against Benin was a friendly, the atmosphere in Buenos Aires was described as celebratory, with fans gathering to honor the athlete's contributions to the sport. The transition away from international play allows Messi to focus on his club commitments, though the decision follows years of speculation regarding his future with the national team. There are no reports of injury or external pressure influencing the timing of this retirement; rather, it appears to be a personal decision to step away from the international stage at this point in his career.