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| Lionel Messi |
Lionel Messi scored in his final appearance for Argentina as the South American champions defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The 39-year-old converted a penalty in the 71st minute to mark his 208th and final game for the national team with his 126th international goal.
Messi also contributed two assists before scoring, setting up Nicolás Otamendi for Argentina’s opening goal with a corner in the 48th minute before providing the pass from which Nico Paz curled home the third.
The match had been billed as Messi’s final appearance in international football after 21 years with Argentina, during which he won two Copa América titles and the 2022 World Cup.
More than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental for the farewell, with the crowd breaking into chants for the Argentina captain throughout the evening.
The emotion was evident even before kickoff, with Messi seen in tears as the team bus made its way through crowds of supporters. He later walked onto the pitch alongside his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, before the Argentine national anthem was played for what would be his final time as an international player.
The match was briefly stopped in the 10th minute as supporters applauded Messi, while players from Benin took turns shaking hands with Argentina’s legendary No. 10.
After the final whistle, Messi addressed the crowd and reflected on his long international career.
He said he would miss representing Argentina but intended to remain alongside the national team as a supporter.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni also paid tribute to Messi, saying the team would have to find a way forward without the presence and influence the forward had brought to the side.
The farewell continued after the match with a drone display above the Monumental featuring significant moments from Messi’s career, including his World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.
The stadium held particular significance for Messi, having scored 19 of his international goals there, more than at any other venue. It was also where Argentina returned to celebrate their World Cup triumph after ending a 36-year wait for the trophy.
Messi had previously announced his decision to retire from international football after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in July. He finished that tournament with eight goals and four assists despite Argentina falling short of retaining the title.
His international career ends with him as Argentina’s record goalscorer and appearance holder. He also leaves with two Copa América titles, the 2022 World Cup and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Only Cristiano Ronaldo has made more appearances or scored more goals in men’s international football.
Messi briefly retired from Argentina duty in 2016 before returning to lead the team through its most successful period, which included Copa América victories in 2021 and 2024 and the World Cup triumph in Qatar.
He will continue his club career with Inter Miami, having recently won the Campeones Cup, his fourth trophy with the MLS side..