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Lionel Messi signed off his international career in style, scoring one goal and providing two assists as Argentina thrashed Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old was making his 208th and final appearance for Argentina in front of more than 85,000 fans. The night was less about football and more a national celebration of his 21-year service to the Albiceleste.
After a goalless first half, Messi delivered the corner that Nicolas Otamendi, who was also playing his final game for Argentina, headed home in the 48th minute.
Messi then set up substitute Nico Paz, seen as a potential successor for the No.10 shirt, who finished with his left foot in the 61st minute to make it 2-0.
The fairytale moment came in the 71st minute when Argentina won a penalty. Messi stepped up and converted from the spot for his 126th international goal, extending his record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer and most-capped player.
The match was paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation, with fireworks, a drone show and tributes. Landmarks across Buenos Aires glowed in blue and white, while Messi’s family and World Cup winners from 1978, 1986 and 2022 watched from the stands.
Messi, who announced on August 31 that he would retire from international football, wore a special edition shirt featuring a golden No.10 and goat-horn graphics.
He leaves international football with 208 caps, 126 goals, the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
