Buenos Aires: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, Associated Press reported.
The 39-year-old received a standing ovation from 85,000 fans in his final appearance for the national team.
Messi leaves international football with 126 goals, two Copa América titles, and the 2022 World Cup.
Final Performance
Nicolás Otamendi headed in from a Messi corner to open the scoring in the 48th minute. Messi then set up Nicolás Paz, who finished with his left foot in the 61st minute. Ten minutes on, Messi scored from the penalty spot with a left-footed shot into the top corner.
“Olé, olé, Messi,” the crowd chanted in his honour.
Farewell Ceremony
Messi announced on August 31 that this would be his last match for Argentina. He played his 208th and final game wearing a special jersey with a golden No. 10 and goat-horn graphics on the back.
The match was paused after 10 minutes so players and fans could honour him.
“Come, come, sing with me, and a friend you’ll find; hand in hand with Leo Messi, we’ll all celebrate the victory,” the crowd sang to him.
Career Highlights
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and won the World Cup in 2022. During the national anthem, he was visibly emotional and was comforted by goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
“It’s not a goodbye, it’s a ‘farewell forever,’ Captain” — that was the message Rebeca Arias and Daniel Lema emblazoned on a hat designed for the occasion. On the brim, they drew various depictions of Messi corresponding to each of the six World Cups he contested.
The young couple traveled more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from their native Tucumán to witness his final performance.
“We believe this is a unique moment. It’s all worth it — being here, making the journey we did. Something like this might never happen again with a player,” Arias remarked.
At the last World Cup, Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final, but Messi finished with eight goals and four assists. He remains in contention for the Ballon d’Or alongside Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé.
Messi has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, more than any other player.
Honorary Doctorate
Before the match, the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the team’s training complex in Ezeiza. He received a diploma and a medal for his contributions to football and society.