Buenos Aires, Oct 07 (V7N)- Lionel Messi brought his extraordinary Argentina career to an emotional close with a goal and two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The farewell match, played on Tuesday (October 6) local time, marked Messi's 208th and final appearance for Argentina. More than 85,000 supporters packed the stadium to witness the final chapter of his 21-year international career.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening stages but struggled to break through Benin's defense in the first half. Messi was involved in several attacking moves, but neither side could find the net before the interval.
The hosts finally broke the deadlock three minutes after halftime. Messi delivered a corner into the box, and Nicolás Otamendi volleyed the ball into the net in the 48th minute.
Messi then turned provider again in the 61st minute, setting up Nico Paz for Argentina's second goal and putting the hosts firmly in control.
Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute after Agustín Giay was fouled inside the box. Messi stepped up and confidently converted from the spot to score his 126th international goal.
The 3-0 victory completed a memorable farewell for Messi, who finished his Argentina career as the country's record appearance-maker and leading scorer. He ended his international career with 208 caps, 126 goals and 70 assists.
The night was filled with tributes and emotional moments as teammates, fans and members of the opposition celebrated one of the most influential careers in international football.
Messi helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. His final appearance brought an end to a remarkable era for the Albiceleste.
For Argentina, it was more than a 3-0 victory. It was a farewell to the player who became the face of a generation and one of the greatest figures in the history of the national team.
END/SMA/AJ
