Lionel Messi delivered a masterclass performance in his final international match for Argentina, scoring one goal and providing two assists as his team sealed a 3-0 victory over Benin. The match, which took place at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, was attended by around 80,000 supporters who came to celebrate Messi's final appearance in Argentina's colors. Messi's performance was a fitting farewell, reminding the packed stadium why he remains one of football's biggest icons.
The match got off to a delayed start, but Messi wasted little time making an impact, registering Argentina's first shot on target after just seven minutes. The referee then brought the game to a halt in the 10th minute, allowing the crowd to give Messi a prolonged standing ovation. Despite Benin's efforts to spoil the party, Messi came close to breaking the deadlock, testing Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou with a trademark curling free kick.
Benin showed no fear despite facing the world champions and a heavily supportive crowd. Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaitan both came close to putting the visitors ahead, missing good opportunities that could have stunned Argentina early in the contest. However, Argentina struggled to find their rhythm during the opening half, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez forced into two important saves late in the period to keep the scores level at half-time.
The breakthrough came just three minutes into the second half, when Messi delivered a dangerous corner into the penalty area, where Nicolas Otamendi produced a spectacular airborne volley to beat Dandjinou and put Argentina 1-0 ahead. The assist was Messi's 69th for Argentina. He was not finished there, registering his 70th international assist when he set up Nico Paz, who curled a superb effort beyond Dandjinou to double Argentina's advantage.
Messi then got his name on the scoresheet, stepping up to convert a penalty kick after Agustin Giay was brought down inside the penalty area by Tamimou Ouorou. Messi smashed the penalty into the top corner, sending the Monumental into wild celebrations. He almost added another shortly afterwards but surprisingly missed from close range with the goal at his mercy.
Argentina ultimately settled into a slower rhythm for the remainder of the match, comfortably seeing out the victory. The win means Argentina have now gone 11 international matches unbeaten on home soil, recording 10 wins and one draw during that run. Their last home defeat came in November 2023. For Benin, the defeat was only their second loss in their last seven international matches.
The victory marked a fitting end to Messi's international career, with the Inter Miami star bringing another chapter of his remarkable international career to a close. Messi's final appearance for Argentina was marked with a goal, two assists, and a memorable farewell in front of a packed Monumental. The match was Messi's 208th and final appearance for Argentina.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored one goal and provided two assists in his final international match for Argentina.
- Argentina sealed a 3-0 victory over Benin in Messi's final international match.
- Messi's final appearance for Argentina was marked with a memorable farewell in front of a packed Monumental.
