Lionel Messi’s Argentina Farewell: Goal, Two Assists And An Emotional Goodbye In 3-0 Win Over Benin

Lionel Messi turned his final appearance for Argentina into a fitting farewell, scoring a penalty and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.

Nearly 85,000 fans gathered to celebrate the 39-year-old superstar, who brought down the curtain on an extraordinary international career spanning 21 years. Messi leaves Argentina duty with 208 appearances and 126 goals, along with a World Cup title and two Copa América triumphs.

The emotional evening began with a tribute just 10 minutes into the match, when play was stopped and Messi received a standing ovation from teammates, opponents and supporters.

Argentina opened the scoring in the 48th minute after Messi delivered a corner that Nicolás Otamendi headed into the net. Messi then set up Nicolás Paz for the second goal in the 61st minute, before converting a penalty 10 minutes later with his trademark left foot.

Wearing a special Albiceleste shirt featuring wider stripes and a golden No. 10, Messi completed his final match amid fireworks and chants of “Messi, Messi”.

His journey with Argentina was not always triumphant. After making his senior debut in 2005, he endured painful defeats and criticism before finally lifting the 2022 World Cup, completing the biggest missing piece in his career.

Messi, who announced in August that his international journey was ending, said he would miss the supporters but promised to remain behind the national team.

Earlier in the day, he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires, recognising his achievements and influence on and off the pitch.

As he took one final lap around the Monumental, Argentina said goodbye to the player who transformed its footballing story.