Lionel Messi signed off from international football in spectacular fashion, scoring and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old captain was playing his 208th and final international match for Argentina, bringing an extraordinary 21-year career with the national team to an end.
Messi Creates All Three Goals
Messi was at the heart of everything Argentina produced in the second half.
He delivered the corner that allowed Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring in the 48th minute before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.
The veteran forward then completed his own farewell party by converting a penalty in the 71st minute to make it 3-0.
The goal was Messi’s 126th for Argentina, further extending his record as the country’s all-time leading scorer.
Emotional Goodbye at the Monumental
The football itself was almost secondary to the occasion, with more than 85,000 supporters turning up to celebrate one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
Messi was visibly emotional before and during the match. The game was also briefly stopped in the 10th minute, a tribute to his famous shirt number, as fans and players gave him a prolonged standing ovation.
At the final whistle, Messi was honoured with a spectacular celebration, including a drone display lighting up the Buenos Aires sky.
The Argentine star also took to the pitch with his three children before kick-off, while his family watched from the stands.
A Remarkable International Legacy
Messi’s Argentina career began in 2005 and initially included several painful disappointments before he eventually led the country to major international glory.
He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima and, most significantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, ending Argentina’s 36-year wait for the trophy. He also helped the team win another Copa América title in 2024.
He leaves the national team as Argentina’s record appearance holder and leading goal scorer, with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
His international chapter may now be closed, but Messi’s playing career is not necessarily over. He remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although reports have suggested he could consider his wider playing future following the death of his father.
The End of an Era
For Argentina, the 3-0 victory over Benin was more than a friendly. It was a farewell to the player who carried the hopes of an entire footballing nation through years of triumphs and disappointments.
Messi leaves behind a legacy that includes World Cup glory, multiple continental titles, countless records and a generation of unforgettable moments.
On a night designed to celebrate his remarkable journey, the Argentina captain ensured he had one final starring role.
