Messi’s international farewell unfolded in an October 2026 friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental, two-plus months after Argentina’s 1-0 extra-time loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. That defeat ended any realistic prospect of the current trophy appearing, as Spain retained possession following Ferran Torres’ decisive goal. Messi had already announced his retirement from La Albiceleste after the final, citing physical toll and a desire to step aside for younger players, shifting focus to tributes for his 2022 Qatar triumph, two Copa América titles, and record 208 caps rather than the recently contested silverware. No official reports or match-day details indicated the 2026 trophy’s presence, consistent with standard protocol for a non-title-holding side’s send-off. The 70% “No” pricing reflects this straightforward barrier: the trophy resides with the champions, and the emotional ceremony centered on legacy, not a symbolic handover of hardware Argentina no longer held.