Lionel Messi delivered one final masterclass in the blue and white jersey on Tuesday with bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary 21-year international career as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly match.
Playing his final match in front of more than 85,000 emotional fans at a packed Monumental Stadium, the 39-year-old captain scored a goal and assisted two others. The event served less as a routine international fixture and more as a national celebration honoring Messi’s immense service to Argentine football.
After a goalless first half, Messi set up defender Nicolás Otamendi who was also playing his final international match after 17 years with the national team to open the scoring with a 48th-minute header. In the 61st minute, Messi provided another assist with feeding young talent Nicolás Paz for Argentina’s second goal.
Messi completed a fairytale farewell ten minutes later, converting a left-footed penalty to cap the 3-0 victory. The goal marked his 126th international strike with drawing deafening chants of "Messi, Messi" from the crowd.
Addressing the crowd from the center of the pitch after the final whistle an emotional Messi expressed his deep pride in representing his country.
"It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years" Messi told the fans while accompanied by his family. "Not coming anymore is going to hurt a lot. Playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you."
The tribute continued after the match with a drone show lighting up the Buenos Aires sky and traditional musical performances celebrating his legacy. Earlier in the day, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the national team’s training complex in Ezeiza to recognize his achievements on and off the pitch.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and as its all-time leading goalscorer. Having overcome years of early career frustration to guide his nation to Copa América titles and a historic 2022 World Cup victory, Messi leaves behind an unmatched legacy in international football.
