Lionel Messi ended his Argentina international career in memorable fashion, scoring once and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The October 6 friendly marked the end of Messi’s 21-year journey with Argentina, with more than 85,000 supporters turning out to witness the farewell.
The 39-year-old was directly involved in all three goals. He delivered the corner that Nicolás Otamendi converted to open the scoring in the 48th minute before setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal 13 minutes later.
Messi then completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, bringing his Argentina goals tally to 126.
The victory gave Messi an emotional final night in the national team shirt, with the Argentina captain visibly moved during the farewell celebrations. FIFA described the occasion as the final appearance of a 21-year international career that included the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles.
Messi finished his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and its leading goalscorer with 126 goals.
Speaking after the match, Messi reflected on what representing Argentina had meant to him and admitted that the occasion brought a flood of emotions.
The farewell also had a Nigerian connection, with former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr leading Benin against Argentina.
Rohr had previously faced Messi while in charge of Nigeria at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Eight years later, the former Nigeria coach was again on the opposing bench for the Argentine star’s final international appearance.
Benin entered the friendly determined to compete rather than simply participate in the farewell celebrations. Goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou had previously said his side would approach the match as a competitive fixture, while Rohr described the opportunity to be involved in Messi’s final Argentina game as a major honour.
The occasion ultimately belonged to Messi, however, as he contributed to every Argentina goal before receiving an emotional farewell from the Monumental crowd.
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With the international chapter now closed, Messi leaves Argentina’s national team having established records that include 208 appearances and 126 goals, alongside the major trophies that eventually cemented his place in the country’s football history.