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Messi ends Argentina career with penalty in 3-0 win

By Drooid · Oct 7, 2026, 2:59 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Messi Ends Career

Lionel Messi scored a penalty to end his Argentina career in a 3-0 win over Benin.
He assisted Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz, touching all three goals.
Messi announced retirement in August, a month after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.
Messi called the day “the saddest day of my career,” thanking fans for over twenty years.

Summary

Romero Named Captain

Argentine Football Association extended Lionel Scaloni’s contract as head coach through the 2030 World Cup.
Cristian Romero was appointed Argentina’s captain, with Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez as vice-captains.
Scaloni warned that post-Messi egos and strong personalities will return, demanding careful squad management.
Veteran players Enzo Fernández and Julian Álvarez are tasked with guiding the new generation.
Lautaro Martínez will assume a senior leadership role on and off the pitch.

History

Historical Context

Four years after the 1982 Falklands War, Maradona’s 1986 World Cup—where he scored or assisted ten of Argentina’s fourteen goals (71%) and delivered the “Hand of God”—revitalized a nation. Subsequent setbacks, such as the 1990 final loss, prompted cycles of rebuilding that now echo in Messi’s 2024 retirement and Scaloni’s contract renewal, guiding Argentina toward the 2030 tournament.

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Messi Ends Career

Lionel Messi scored a penalty to end his Argentina career in a 3-0 win over Benin.
He assisted Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz, touching all three goals.
Messi announced retirement in August, a month after Argentina’s 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain.
Messi called the day “the saddest day of my career,” thanking fans for over twenty years.

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