Lionel Messi signs off for Argentina with 3-0 win over Benin

Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina ended with a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The friendly was staged as a celebratory farewell for the Argentina captain and to honour one of the country’s greatest footballers. Messi had made 207 appearances for Argentina before the match, scoring 125 goals and providing 66 assists.

The stadium paused in the 10th minute, with everyone inside applauding Messi in recognition of his contribution to the national team.

Messi came close to opening the scoring in the first half. In the 24th minute, he met a superb cross but sent his effort just wide of the post. Three minutes later, the Benin goalkeeper produced an excellent save to deny Messi from a free-kick.

A Benin forward headed a right-wing cross narrowly wide in the 18th minute, while Messi later fired a volley past the post after a cross from Lautaro in the 32nd minute.

Argentina almost took the lead just before half-time when Julian Alvarez ran through on goal after a pass from Messi, but his shot went wide.

The hosts moved ahead four minutes after the restart. Messi delivered a corner and Nicolas Otamendi met it with a powerful touch to make it 1-0.

Otamendi was substituted in the 51st minute, with Medina replacing him in what was described as Otamendi’s final international appearance for Argentina.

Nico Paz doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 61st minute, finishing brilliantly after receiving a low pass from Messi.

Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 68th minute after Agustin Giay was brought down. Messi stepped up and converted in the 71st minute to complete the scoring and make it 3-0.

Messi went in search of a fourth goal four minutes later, but his low effort following a cross from Nicolas Gonzalez was saved.

The result brought the curtain down on Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina shirt after a career with the national team that included 207 matches, 125 goals and 66 assists.