Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has brought his remarkable 21-year international career to an emotional close, signing off with a goal and two assists in his final appearance for the national team.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in front of more than 85,000 spectators at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, with Messi playing a decisive role in the victory.
The Argentine captain provided an assist for Nicolás Otamendi in the second half before Nico Paz doubled the lead.
Messi then capped his final international appearance by converting a penalty in the closing stages to score his 126th goal for Argentina.
The match was preceded by widespread tributes to Messi across Argentina. Major buildings in Buenos Aires were illuminated in the national team’s iconic sky-blue and white colours, while a giant shirt bearing Messi’s name and number was displayed in his hometown of Rosario.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and the country’s all-time leading scorer.
His international career included major triumphs with Argentina, culminating in the team’s historic 2022 FIFA World Cup victory in Qatar.