Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his international career in the best possible fashion, scoring once and assisting Argentina’s other two goals in a 3-0 victory over Benin during a farewell match that transformed into a national celebration at the Estadio Monumental.
The scoreline was secondary to the emotional scenes in Buenos Aires. Over 85,000 fans packed the stands, accompanied by Messi’s family and world champions from the 1978, 1986, and 2022 squads, alongside close friends Ángel Di María and Sergio Agüero.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle, though Benin’s compact defense and goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou kept the hosts at bay during the first half. Messi created several early chances, including a free-kick, while play briefly halted in the 10th minute as players and spectators gave a standing ovation to the iconic number 10.
Benin’s resistance crumbled shortly after the interval. In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a precise corner met by Nicolás Otamendi with a powerful finish—a poignant moment for the veteran defender, who was also making his final international appearance and later departed to a guard of honor in his 140th cap.
Nico Paz doubled the lead in the 61st minute, curling a brilliant strike from outside the box following a setup from Messi. The crowning moment arrived shortly after when Argentina won a penalty following a foul on Agustín Giay.
Messi stepped up in the 70th minute and dispatched a powerful spot-kick into the top corner to seal the 3-0 victory, sending the Monumental into raptures as if Argentina had won another major trophy. The captain came close to adding a second, but was denied by the woodwork and the substitute goalkeeper, before firing a late free-kick just over the bar.
Farewell tributes had commenced prior to kickoff as Messi walked onto the pitch accompanied by his children, beside a giant shirt bearing the number 10 and the message: “Thank you for making us happy.” Benin’s captain presented him with a commemorative statue and a tribute letter from the African squad, while the 39-year-old was unable to hold back his tears during the national anthem.
Following the final whistle, both teams formed a guard of honor for Messi, and the referee gifted him the match cards as a keepsake, preceding a spectacular light, drone, and fireworks show. Taking the microphone, the legend declared: “Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you,” adding through his tears: “I say goodbye to the national team… I will miss you all, and I will miss it immensely.”
Messi concludes a magnificent 21-year international career with 208 caps, 126 goals, and 70 assists—all all-time records for Argentina. His international honours include the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima, an Olympic Gold medal, and the U-20 World Cup, signing off from the jersey he first wore in 2005 with a final goal, a victory, and the gratitude of an entire nation.
