Messi's penalty caps farewell as fans revive Falklands claim
Lionel Messi's 71st‑minute penalty at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday night sealed his involvement in all three goals of Argentina's 3‑0 farewell win over Benin, providing the decisive moment of a match that also saw fans brandish banners claiming the Falkland Islands.
Farewell match at the Monumental
The emotionally‑charged encounter featured the 39‑year‑old Argentine forward, who guided the side to the 2022 World Cup and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, opening the scoring before assisting Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz after the break.
Messi supplied the assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz, then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute. It marked his first outing since Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final and his first match since his father’s passing in August, while he remains an Inter Miami player.
Fans revive Falklands claim
Throughout the game, supporters unfurled multiple banners reading ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas’, translating to ‘The Falklands are Argentine’. AFP noted the banners, and the islands lie roughly 300 miles east of Argentina.
The same message had appeared after Argentina’s 2‑1 victory over England in the World Cup semi‑final, prompting the UK government to demand FIFA action. FIFA subsequently banned the political slogan and later charged Argentina with four conduct code breaches.
Messi's career in numbers
Messi ends his international career with 126 goals and 69 assists in 208 games, making him Argentina’s top scorer and appearance record holder. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has more caps and goals, with 146 goals in 234 outings for Portugal.
After the match, Messi admitted he could not hide his tears before and after the clash against Benin. He delivered an emotional speech on the pitch, saying, “There are so many emotions going through me right now… The first person who comes to my mind is my dad.”
He added, “I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything,” and reflected on a 21‑year career, saying, “For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting… Playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is.”
The farewell not only marks the end of a glittering era but also underscores a renewed political flashpoint, with FIFA’s fresh charge reminding that sport and sovereignty disputes remain intertwined.