Argentina captain Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in football, ended his national career with a memorable and emotional victory. Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in his farewell friendly match played at the Estadio Monumental Stadium. Unable to hold back tears during the national anthem, Messi displayed a masterclass on the field and put the final touch to his country’s international journey by scoring a penalty in the 69th minute.

Lionel Messi retires from international football: Emotional farewell after beating Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires, scoring his last penalty goal

Match timeline: Tears and celebrations at Monumental Stadium

Even before the match began, Messi was welcomed into the stadium with a giant jersey bearing the number 10. When the 39-year-old entered the field with his three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—the stadium erupted in applause from thousands of fans. Head coach Lionel Scaloni and senior defender Nicolas Otamendi, standing with Messi during the national anthem, also struggled to contain their emotions.

In the 10th minute of the match, both players and spectators in the stands stood up and applauded. Argentina dominated the match from the start:

• First goal (Otamendi): Nicolas Otamendi headed in a perfect free-kick from Messi just after half-time to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
• Second goal (Nico Paz): Young forward Nico Paz outwitted the Benin defence to score the team’s second goal.
• Third goal (Lionel Messi): Messi coolly converted a penalty in the 69th minute into the top-right corner to make it 3-0.

The presence of legends and the atmosphere of the ground

Angel Di Maria, who retired from international football after the Copa America, and former France striker David Trezeguet were also present in the stands to witness this historic farewell. When Messi scored a penalty in the 69th minute, the entire team celebrated by lifting their captain onto their shoulders.

“Messi has given everything to Argentina. His contribution to the national team is not limited to trophies or goals; he has changed the way we look at the game.”
— Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach (Argentina)

The end of a golden age

In the final minutes of the match, Messi had another chance to score a magical goal from a free kick, but the shot went just wide of the post. As the whistle blew, the spectators chanted the name of their hero. With one penalty goal, one assist, and tears in his eyes, Lionel Messi wrote the final chapter of his career in an Argentina jersey.