Lionel Messi ends Argentina career with goal and two assists in emotional farewell

Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to a tearful close on Tuesday, scoring once and creating two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

More than 85,000 supporters filled the stadium for the 39-year-old’s final appearance in Argentina’s blue and white, turning the occasion into a nationwide celebration of the captain’s contribution to the national team.

Landmarks around the capital were illuminated in Argentina’s colours, while fireworks and a deafening rendition of the national anthem filled the skies and stands before kick-off.

“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said, with his family watching from the crowd alongside members of Argentina’s 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning squads.

“There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head. The first thing I think about is my old man,” he added, referring to the recent death of his father.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years.

“Not coming anymore is going to hurt a lot. I swear, I’d love to keep coming my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

The tribute had begun hours earlier in Messi’s home city of Rosario, where a huge No. 10 shirt bearing the word “Gracias” was displayed at the National Flag Memorial.

Thousands of fans also gathered along the road from the training centre named after Messi. As the Argentina team bus passed, the captain was seen wiping away tears.

Benin’s captain appeared lost for words during the pre-match handshake before presenting Messi with a gift and a letter.

The match itself was goalless at half-time, but Messi opened the second half by setting up Nicolas Otamendi, who scored from close range. Otamendi had spent 17 years alongside Messi in the Argentina set-up, including four World Cups, and was also making his final international appearance.

Messi then provided the pass for Nico Paz to score Argentina’s second. Paz is regarded as one of the players who could eventually inherit the national team’s No. 10 shirt.

The fairytale conclusion came when Messi converted a penalty to make it 3-0 and register his 126th international goal. The goal triggered another chorus of “Messi, Messi” from the home crowd.

After the final whistle, Argentina and Benin players, together with the referee, surrounded Messi and embraced him. A drone display followed before Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole”, performed her signature song “Brindis” as part of the tribute.

Messi finishes as Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record goalscorer. His international career transformed years of disappointment into triumphs at the World Cup and Copa America.

For years, Argentina demanded that Messi deliver. On Tuesday, the occasion belonged to the country saying thank you.