Messi bids farewell with goal and two assists as Argentina beats Benin 3-0

Argentine star Lionel Messi wrapped up his amazing international career in style. He scored a goal and provided two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

In front of over 85,000 fans, Messi put on one last show in the iconic blue and white jersey before saying goodbye to the Argentina national team after 21 years on the international stage.

This match was seen as Messi’s final game for Argentina, and the 39-year-old made sure the night would be remembered for more than just the score.

Argentina’s top scorer and most-capped player was involved in all three goals, helping the home team turn the second half into a celebration of his incredible career.

Messi assists Otamendi in emotional farewell

After a scoreless first half, Argentina broke through Benin’s defense in the 48th minute. Veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi scored from close range after Messi sent in a perfect corner kick.

This goal held special meaning, as Otamendi also ended his international career alongside his long-time teammate.

The two shared four World Cups and 17 years with Argentina. Scoring the first goal was a touching moment for two players who have celebrated many of the country’s greatest successes together.

Messi was not done yet. In the 61st minute, he helped Nico Paz score to extend Argentina’s lead. This showed how influential Messi has been throughout his international career.

Paz, one of the young talents expected to lead Argentina into the future, was the latest player to benefit from Messi’s skill as the team transitions to a new era in front of a full Monumental.

Messi scores one final Argentina goal

The moment everyone had been waiting for came in the 71st minute.

After Agustín Giay was fouled in the penalty area, Argentina got a penalty kick. There was no question about who would take the shot.

Messi stepped up and coolly scored to make it 3-0. The Monumental erupted in celebration.

This was his 126th international goal for Argentina, adding to his own national scoring record. It was the perfect final touch to a career filled with unforgettable moments.

His contribution on this special night was remarkable: one goal and two assists.

Tears, tributes and a final goodbye

While Messi’s performance was great, the emotions of the occasion were just as important as the game itself.

The Argentina captain was clearly moved before the match, trying to hold back tears during the national anthem as the fans cheered for him.

His three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, also joined in the farewell ceremony. Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from the stands.

A huge Argentina shirt with Messi’s famous No. 10 and the word “Gracias” was displayed before the game. The stadium was packed with fans eager to see the end of an era.

The Giant Shirt

Argentina’s World Cup-winning generations from 1978, 1986, and 2022 were also honored at the Monumental as the nation celebrated the player who brought major trophies to the team.

At the end of the match, teammates and opponents gathered around Messi before he took a final lap of honor.

The stadium cheered “Messi, Messi” as a drone display lit up the night sky. Singer Soledad Pastorutti performed in tribute to the departing captain.

Messi leaves Argentina with historic numbers

Messi’s last game brought his Argentina record to 208 caps and 126 goals, making him the country’s most-capped player and top scorer.

His international career started in 2005 and brought him trophies that once seemed out of reach with Argentina.

He won the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, and the 2024 Copa América, while also reaching nine international finals with Argentina.

For years, Messi’s relationship with the national team included heartbreak in major finals and criticism about his performances.

But the Copa América win in 2021 changed everything. The World Cup victory in Qatar a year later completed his story, as Messi finally lifted the trophy that had eluded him for much of his career.

On Tuesday night, there was no pressure or expectation for him to save Argentina. This time, the country united to celebrate him.

Speaking to the crowd after the match, an emotional Messi said leaving the national team would be painful.

“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said. “There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head.”

He spoke about the honor of wearing the Argentina shirt for over two decades.

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

“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 farewell could not have been better.

A victory, three goals, one last goal from Messi, two assists, a packed Monumental, and tears from a player who has carried Argentina’s hopes for over two decades.

After the final whistle, Argentina was no longer asking Messi to deliver like before his first retirement.

Now, all the country could say was gracias to the man who had given everything for the shirt, with nothing more left.