Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to an emotional close by scoring in his final international appearance as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina at the Monumental, scoring his 126th international goal from the penalty spot in the second half.
Messi had already played a key role in the victory, setting up Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz as Argentina comfortably overcame Benin.
The farewell was watched by a sold-out crowd of 85,000, who were treated to fireworks, music, a laser show and tributes to one of the greatest players in Argentina’s history.
After the match, Messi delivered an emotional speech lasting almost 10 minutes, admitting that he did not want to leave the pitch. Several of his team-mates, including Manchester City’s Enzo Fernandez, were seen in tears.
Messi had announced his retirement from international football in August, saying the decision “hurt” but that the time had come.
The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward appeared visibly emotional throughout the night. He was filmed wiping away tears on the team bus before the match and again during Argentina’s national anthem.
Before kick-off, fireworks welcomed the players onto the pitch, while a giant Argentina shirt featuring Messi’s iconic No.10 and the word “gracias” was displayed across the field.
The celebrations continued 10 minutes into the match when play was stopped for another fireworks display and a standing ovation for Messi, followed by handshakes between Messi and every Benin player.
Once the game resumed, Messi remained at the centre of Argentina’s attack. He saw two free-kicks saved, missed two close-range chances and struck the post late in the match before finally finding the net from the penalty spot.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 as a substitute against Hungary but was sent off less than a minute after coming on.
He went on to become Argentina’s record goalscorer and one of the country’s most decorated players, winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
Messi’s international career ends with 126 goals and 208 appearances, while he also ranks among the leading scorers in World Cup history.
His playing career will continue at club level with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami, where he is contracted until the end of the 2028 season.
Tributes poured in from former and current team-mates before his farewell, including Neymar, who said the world was grateful for everything Messi had done for football.
Close friend Rodrigo De Paul also paid tribute to Messi, saying he had helped him become a better footballer, person, athlete, father and friend.
Former Argentina team-mate Angel Di Maria said seeing Messi leave international football happy and knowing he had given everything was something that made them all happy.
After two decades at the highest level, Messi’s Argentina journey ended with one final goal, one final victory and an emotional farewell in front of his home crowd.
