Following his final international appearance in a farewell exhibition match against Benin at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental on Wednesday (October 7, 2026), the Inter Miami forward posted an emotional reflection on social media. Messi expressed deep gratitude toward his family, teammates, coaching staff, former clubs, and the late Diego Maradona, noting that despite the bitter-sweet emotion, he feels confident in his decision to step aside. Responding directly to Messi's farewell announcement, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo praised the Argentine captain, commenting: "Leo, after fighting for your country for so many years, you have built a history that will last forever. I have deep respect for everything you achieved with Argentina." Messi departs international football as Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer, having cemented his status among the sport's greatest figures by leading his nation to multiple continental and world titles.