Lionel Messi creates goal for Nicolas Otamendi in final Argentina appearance against Benin

Lionel Messi created the opening goal for Nicolas Otamendi as Argentina took a 1-0 lead over Benin in the forward’s final match for his country.

The friendly is being played at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, where the occasion is being held to honour one of Argentina’s greatest footballers.

Messi is making his final appearance for Argentina after previously representing his country in 207 matches. He has scored 125 goals and provided 66 assists in those games.

The match is being followed minute by minute as Messi plays his last game in an Argentina shirt.

Second half

49 minutes: GOAL Messi delivered the corner and Otamendi finished with a powerful touch to put Argentina 1-0 ahead.

The second half began with Argentina immediately making the breakthrough.

First half

The opening 45 minutes ended goalless, with Messi involved in several of Argentina’s best opportunities.

In first-half stoppage time, Julian Alvarez broke clear after receiving a pass from Messi and shot across goal, but his effort went just wide of the post.

On 32 minutes, Lautaro Martinez sent in a cross which Messi met with a volley. The attempt narrowly missed the post.

Messi went close again in the 27th minute, when the Benin goalkeeper saved a skilfully struck free-kick from the Argentina captain.

Eight minutes earlier, Messi met a superb cross but was unable to direct his effort inside the post.

Benin created an opportunity in the 18th minute when a forward met a cross from the right, although the resulting touch went wide.

Play was temporarily stopped in the 10th minute so everyone inside the stadium could applaud Messi. The tribute was held with the players on the pitch as the crowd marked the occasion of his final Argentina appearance.

The match then continued with Argentina seeking to produce a winning farewell for Messi at the Monumental.