Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his illustrious 21-year international career with Argentina in style, scoring once and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match, which was attended by more than 85,000 fans, was a fitting tribute to the legendary footballer. Messi's final appearance for Argentina was marked with a memorable performance, showcasing his skill and talent one last time.
The farewell fixture was a highly anticipated event, with former Nigeria head coach Gernot Rohr leading Benin against Messi's Argentina. Before the game, Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou had expressed his team's determination to compete against Argentina, dismissing suggestions that they would allow Messi an easy farewell goal. Dandjinou emphasized that his team was not there to do "tourism" in Argentina, but to play and compete.
The match got off to a slow start, with the first half ending goalless. However, Messi helped break the deadlock in the 48th minute when his corner was converted by Nicolás Otamendi, giving Argentina the lead. The 39-year-old then provided another assist in the 61st minute, setting up Nico Paz for Argentina's second goal.
Messi completed the scoring 10 minutes later, converting a penalty to make it 3-0 and cap his final international appearance with a goal. The goal marked a fitting end to Messi's international career, which has been filled with numerous accolades and achievements. He finished his career as Argentina's most-capped player with 208 appearances and the country's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals.
Speaking after the match, an emotional Messi admitted that he struggled to put the moment into words. He reflected on his international career, saying that representing Argentina had been one of the greatest honours of his life. Messi emphasized that playing for Argentina was the most beautiful thing that could happen to him.
The Argentine Football Association had arranged the match as an official farewell to honour Messi, who led the country to the 2022 World Cup title. The association's gesture was a testament to Messi's dedication and service to Argentine football. Messi's career with Argentina spanned over two decades, during which he established himself as one of the greatest players in the country's history.
With his international career now behind him, Messi is expected to focus on his club career. His future plans are yet to be announced, but fans around the world will be eagerly watching his next moves. As Messi bid farewell to international football, he left behind a legacy that will be remembered for generations to come.
Key points
- Messi ends his 21-year international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina.
- Messi scored once and provided two assists in his final international match against Benin.
- The match was attended by more than 85,000 fans at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
