Lionel Messi brought his historic Argentina career to a perfect end on Tuesday night, scoring once and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental.
The 39-year-old made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina in front of more than 85,000 fans, ending an international career that lasted 21 years and produced some of football’s greatest moments.
The match became an emotional farewell as thousands of supporters celebrated the player who helped Argentina win the FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and several other major honours.
Messi was given a standing ovation in the 10th minute, while players and fans paid tribute to the country’s all-time leading goalscorer before and during the match.
Benin impressed in the first half and created several chances, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez kept Argentina level before the break.
Argentina took the lead three minutes into the second half when Messi’s corner found Nicolás Otamendi, who headed home to make it 1-0.
Messi created Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute, setting up young midfielder Nico Paz, who calmly finished to double the lead.
The football icon then scored his final goal for Argentina from the penalty spot in the 70th minute after Agustín Giay was brought down inside the box, sealing a memorable 3-0 victory.
Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 70 assists, making him Argentina’s most-capped player, highest goalscorer and leading assist provider. His career also included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.
For Argentina, Tuesday’s match marked the end of one of the greatest careers in football history. As fans chanted his name one final time, Messi left the national team as a legend whose achievements and legacy will be remembered for generations.