Messi Bids Emotional Farewell to Argentina After 3-0 Win Over Benin
By Abubakar Muhammadu Jibo
Lionel Messi has played his final match for Argentina, bringing an emotional end to his 21-year international career.
The 39-year-old captain featured in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, scoring from the penalty spot and assisting two goals. Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz were also on the scoresheet.
More than 85,000 fans turned out to celebrate Messi, who made his record 208th appearance for Argentina and finished his international career with 126 goals.
Messi, who led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and two Copa América titles, was visibly emotional during the farewell ceremony as supporters paid tribute to one of the greatest players in football history.
The match marked the end of an extraordinary chapter for Messi and the Argentina national team, although he remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028.
