The match marked Messi’s final appearance for the national team in front of Argentine supporters.

More than two decades after making his senior debut, the 39-year-old closed the international chapter of his career with another decisive performance.

Messi leaves with a goal and victory

Argentina took control after a scoreless first half.

Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring before Nicolás Paz doubled the lead. Messi then completed the 3-0 victory with a penalty late in the match.

He also assisted the goals scored by Otamendi and Paz.

The result gave Messi a fitting final night in the Argentina shirt. The AFA described the match as his last appearance for the national team before the home crowd.

An emotional farewell

The Monumental was packed for Messi’s farewell.

He became visibly emotional before kickoff during the Argentine national anthem. His three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, were also present for the pre-match ceremony.

The stadium then celebrated Messi throughout his final match.

The farewell followed Messi’s decision to retire from the Argentina national team after the 2026 World Cup. He had announced the decision on Aug. 31, ending a senior international career that began in 2005.

A record-breaking Argentina career

Messi finishes as Argentina’s most-capped player and leading scorer.

His final international record stands at 208 appearances and 126 goals. FIFA also lists 70 assists, 135 wins, 43 draws and 30 defeats.

His Argentina career included four major senior titles: the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 World Cup and 2024 Copa América. Argentina also reached the 2026 World Cup final during his final international campaign.

The 2022 World Cup victory ended Argentina’s long wait for another men’s World Cup title and became the defining achievement of Messi’s international career.

From criticism to national icon

Messi’s relationship with Argentina supporters changed significantly over his career.

His early years with the national team included criticism after several major tournament defeats. Argentina reached the 2014 World Cup final and lost the 2015 and 2016 Copa América finals.

The criticism eased after Argentina began winning major titles.

The 2021 Copa América was followed by the Finalissima and World Cup triumph in 2022, then another Copa América title in 2024.

By the time of his farewell, Messi was being celebrated by the same national football culture that had once demanded more from him.

The Argentina chapter is over

Messi’s final match does not mark the end of his professional football career.

He remains a club player with Inter Miami, meaning his international retirement is separate from his future at club level.

For Argentina, however, the era has reached its final whistle.

Messi leaves the national team as its record appearance holder and top scorer, with a World Cup, two Copa América titles and the Finalissima among the major trophies won during his career.

His final night in Buenos Aires added one more goal, two assists and a victory to the record.

Reporting Credit: Asociación del Fútbol Argentino; FIFA; Argentina national team; Argentine Football Association match records; Estadio Monumental attendance records.

The post Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina With Goal in Final National Team Match appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Argentina travels to Asunción on Thursday for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Paraguay, with Lionel Messi and his teammates aiming to edge closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following a dominant 6-0 win over Bolivia, where Messi scored a hat-trick and contributed two assists, the Albiceleste look to continue their strong qualification campaign. With just a few games remaining, Argentina needs to maintain momentum as they aim to finish at the top of the CONMEBOL standings, a feat they haven’t achieved in the past two qualifying cycles.

Paraguay’s Tough Defense

Paraguay, led by coach Gustavo Alfaro, is known for their resilient defense and will be looking to pull off an upset. The Albirroja are currently in a playoff position, having recently beaten Brazil and drawn with Uruguay. Their defense, though difficult to break down, has often resulted in low-scoring affairs—only seven goals have been scored across their last seven meetings with Argentina, including two goalless draws. However, Paraguay’s solid defensive record makes them a formidable opponent at home, where they have been tough to beat.

How to Watch & Odds:

• Date: Thursday, November 14
• Time: 6:30 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Defensores del Chaco, Asunción, Paraguay
• Stream: Fanatiz
• Odds:
  • Paraguay +450
  • Draw +250
  • Argentina -150

Argentina’s Road to the 2026 World Cup

With a 6-0 victory over Bolivia, Argentina sits comfortably at the top of the qualification table. They are three points ahead of Colombia, and their solid away form (10 points from five matches) has been crucial in their quest for World Cup qualification. With Argentina’s position looking strong, a win in Paraguay would bring them even closer to securing a berth in the 2026 World Cup.

Team News:

• Paraguay: Coach Alfaro has a consistent squad, with many players based in Argentina’s top leagues. Antonio Sanabria has been in good form, scoring twice in Paraguay’s recent win over Venezuela, while Miguel Almirón, Julio Enciso, and Ramón Sosa are still fighting for more minutes to regain their rhythm.Possible Paraguay XI:
  • Fernandez; Caceres, Gomez, Alderete, Balbuena, Alonso; Cubas, Gomez; Almiron, Sanabria, Enciso.
• Argentina: Enzo Fernandez may not start due to his limited playing time at Chelsea, while Giovani Lo Celso is fit again and could replace Lautaro Martínez in the starting lineup. Emiliano Martínez returns from suspension, taking over from Gerónimo Rulli in goal.Possible Argentina XI:
  • E. Martinez; Molina, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico; De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Lo Celso, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez.

Prediction:

While Argentina is poised to qualify, Paraguay’s strong defense at home could pose a real challenge. This match is expected to be tight, with Paraguay possibly edging out a narrow win. A draw is also a possibility, but it feels like the home side may pull off a surprise.

Pick: Paraguay 1, Argentina 0.

Source

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