The international friendly between the Argentina national football team and the Benin national football team at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires concluded with a commanding 3–0 victory for Argentina.
Beyond the final scoreline, the evening marked an era-defining moment in world sport: Lionel Messi’s final match in an Argentina shirt, closing a legendary 21-year international career.
Match Overview & Final Score
After an intense, goalless first half where Benin’s compact defense held firm, La Albiceleste broke through early in the second half. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute, rising to meet a trademark delivery from Messi.
Rising talent Nico Paz doubled the advantage at the 61st minute, followed by an emotional 71st-minute penalty converted by Lionel Messi, sealing an emphatic 3–0 win.
| Match Detail | Argentina 🇦🇷 | Benin 🇧🇯 |
| Final Score | 3 | 0 |
| Half-Time Score | 0 | 0 |
| Goals | N. Otamendi (48′), N. Paz (61′), L. Messi (71′ pen) | — |
| Total Shots (On Target) | 18 (9) | 4 (1) |
| Lionel Messi Stats | 1 Goal, 2 Assists, 9 Shots, 90 Mins | — |
| Yellow Cards | Nicolás Otamendi (44′) | Mohamed Tijani (55′) |
| Venue | Estadio Mâs Monumental, Buenos Aires | Estadio Mâs Monumental, Buenos Aires |
| Competition | Men’s International Friendly | Men’s International Friendly |
Lionel Messi’s Farewell: Did Messi Retire from International Football?
Is Messi Retiring?
Yes. The clash against Benin stood as Lionel Messi’s official retirement match from the Argentina national football team. While Messi has stepped away from international football, he continues his active club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
A Masterclass to Close an Era
Wearing the captain’s armband for the full 90 minutes, Leo Messi delivered a performance reminiscent of his peak years:
- Total Caps: Messi concluded his international journey with 207 appearances for Argentina.
- All-Time Goals: His 71st-minute penalty brought his international tally to a monumental 125 goals.
- Key Contributions: Messi set up both Otamendi and Nico Paz before slotting home his penalty, leaving the pitch to an emotional standing ovation from 85,000 supporters in Buenos Aires.
Benin defender Mohamed Tijani captured the global mood ahead of kickoff:
“We would not be marking Messi. We will just enjoy this match. I will watch him and say: Messi, you are a legend. We will do our utmost to ensure this celebration is perfect.”
Argentina vs Benin: Team Lineups & Squad News
Argentina National Football Team Lineup & Squad Adjustments
Lionel Scaloni deployed a balanced side mixing seasoned World Cup champions with the next generation of Argentine talent:
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Paz
- Forwards: Lionel Messi (C), Julián Álvarez
- Absences: Right-back Nahuel Molina and midfielder Leandro Paredes were unavailable due to suspension.
Benin National Football Team Lineup
Gernot Rohr’s squad set up in an organized 5-4-1 low block to contain Argentina’s wide overloads:
- Goalkeeper: Saturnin Allagbé
- Defenders: Rachid Moumini, Cédric Hountondji, Mohamed Tijani, David Kiki, Rabiou Sankamao
- Midfielders: Junior Olaitan, Dodo Dokou, Sessi D’Almeida, Andreas Hountondji
- Forward: Aiyegun Tosin
- Absences: Veteran forward and captain Steve Mounié was sidelined due to an injury sustained in training.
Match Timeline & Key Moments
- 1′ – Kickoff: An electric atmosphere welcomed both teams onto the Monumental pitch.
- 22′ – Early Chance: Lionel Messi struck a curling free-kick from 25 yards that grazed the crossbar.
- 44′ – Yellow Card: Nicolás Otamendi received a booking for a tactical foul breaking up a Benin counter-attack.
- 45+2′ – Halftime: 0–0. Benin successfully resisted sustained Argentine pressure.
- 48′ – GOAL (Argentina 1–0 Benin): Lionel Messi swung in an inswinging corner that found Nicolás Otamendi, who powered a header past Allagbé.
- 55′ – Yellow Card: Mohamed Tijani was cautioned for a foul on Álvarez.
- 61′ – GOAL (Argentina 2–0 Benin): Messi slipped a delicate through ball past the defensive line into the path of Nico Paz, who calmly finished into the bottom corner.
- 71′ – GOAL (Argentina 3–0 Benin): After a VAR check confirmed a handball in the box, Lionel Messi stepped up to convert the penalty kick.
- 90+3′ – Full-Time: The referee blew the final whistle, inaugurating the official farewell ceremony honoring Messi’s contributions to Argentine football.
Where to Watch Argentina vs Benin Replays & Highlights
Fans looking to watch highlights or full-match replays can access coverage through the following regional partners:
- United States: Highlights and full match replays are available on FOX Sports (FS1/FS2 app) and streaming via FuboTV.
- Argentina & South America: Replay coverage is broadcast on TyC Sports, TV Pública, and streaming via TyC Sports Play and Telecentro Play.
- United Kingdom & Europe: Match recap packages and full press conferences are accessible via authorized international friendly broadcast partners and official Argentine Football Association (AFA) digital platforms.
- Global Digital Highlights: Available on the official YouTube channels of TyC Sports and FIFA+.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the final score of Argentina vs Benín?
Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 in their international friendly at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Did Lionel Messi score in his last game for Argentina?
Yes. Messi scored a 71st-minute penalty and assisted goals for Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz.
Has Lionel Messi completely retired from football?
No. Messi has retired from international duty with Argentina, but he remains under contract and active in club football with Inter Miami CF.
Who scored the goals in Argentina vs Benin?
The three goals were scored by Nicolás Otamendi (48′), Nico Paz (61′), and Lionel Messi (71′, penalty).
Where was Argentina vs Benin played?
The match took place at the Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Conclusion
Argentina’s 3–0 victory over Benin was far more than an exhibition match—it stood as the ceremonial final chapter of the most illustrious international career football has ever seen. From lifting the 2021 Copa América to conquering the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi’s 125 goals across 207 caps leave an enduring benchmark for global sports.
Relive the historic night: Check out your local broadcaster’s video-on-demand library to watch full match replays, post-game ceremonies, and in-depth tactical analysis. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive real-time updates on upcoming Argentina national team fixtures and international football tournaments!
