Every word Lionel Messi said on final Argentina game as Benin players give him special gifts

Lionel Messi received three gifts from Benin players in the final game of his Argentina career as his opponents showed respect for arguably the greatest player of all time.

On an emotional evening at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Messi capped off a generational 21-year career for La Albiceleste with two assists and a goal as Lionel Scaloni's men clinched an emphatic 3-0 victory over the 93rd-ranked nation.

A 71st-minute penalty saw the 39-year-old score his 126th and final goal for Argentina after announcing his retirement at the end of August, and the Inter Miami playmaker struggled to hold back the tears when issuing his speech to the supporters.

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Every word Lionel Messi said on final game for Argentina

From winning a gold medal at the 2008 Beijing Olympics to making 208 appearances for his nation and inspiring them to a World Cup triumph four years ago, Messi's legacy will never be topped.

The Inter Miami superstar could only thank everyone associated with the nation across the last two decades, beginning with a special mention for his late father Jorge, who sadly passed away in August at the age of 68.

"It's a lot of emotions. Obviously the first thing I think about is my dad," he began.

"All that's left for me to do is say thank you. It's meant so much to me to wear this shirt for 20 years. I never stopped striving, fighting, or wanting to be here.

"This is a very difficult moment for me; I've been able to travel all over the country playing football, and I'm grateful for everything I've been fortunate enough to experience."

The Argentina captain also addressed the defeat against Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, rejecting suggestions that something unusual had happened during the match.

"The truth is that nothing strange happened, as some are saying.

"We gave it our all. The match against England was incredibly draining for us, both physically and emotionally. We barely made it.

"We fought as we always do, but unfortunately, we couldn't become champions. But have no doubt that every single one of my teammates left everything on the field for this jersey."

A special mention then went to his teammates, past and present, for helping him achieve history before explaining how hard it will be no longer playing for Argentina.

"All that's left for me to do is say thank you. It's meant so much to me to wear this shirt for 20 years. I never stopped striving, fighting, or wanting to be here.

"This is a very difficult moment for me; I've been able to travel all over the country playing football, and I'm grateful for everything I've been fortunate enough to experience.

"Not coming back will be a great sorrow. I'd love to come back forever, because playing in Argentina is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you."

Messi finished with a message about unity and the responsibility of the next generation to protect the national team's togetherness.

"To build strong teams, you need to build united teams, because there are people who want to see the national team fail, and we mustn't give them the satisfaction," he concluded.

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Benin players give Lionel Messi gifts at full time

Across a glittering international career, Messi holds a raft of records that may never be beaten, including the most matches played in World Cup history (34), the most appearances in Copa America history (39), and South America's all-time leading goalscorer.

Benin were therefore pleased to share the pitch with a once-in-a-generation player, and despite being thrashed 3-0 by the 2022 World Cup winners, they still showed their respect for the veteran once the whistle blew.

Although Messi wasn't best pleased when one overenthusiastic Benin player tried to take a selfie with him before Amiro Amadou told his teammate to back off, he was thrilled to receive three gifts from the African nation ahead of the game.

A packed-out Estadio Monumental watched as Benin captain Sessi D'Almeida gave him a statue, a letter written by the entire squad, and a rose before the coin toss.

An incredibly thoughtful gesture from the African nation was met with joy from Messi, who smiled for a picture with one player before inspiring his side to a routine 3-0 victory.