Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, scored once and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an international friendly in Buenos Aires, in what was presented as the captain’s final appearance for the national team.
More than 85,000 fans watched the match at the Monumental Stadium, where tributes were held for Messi, who has represented Argentina for more than two decades.
The match was goalless at half-time before Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi for Argentina’s opening goal. Otamendi, who has played alongside Messi for 17 years, was also reported to be ending his international career.
Messi then provided the assist for Nico Paz to score Argentina’s second goal.
The 39-year-old completed the scoring from the penalty spot, taking his international goal tally to 126, according to the figures supplied for the match.
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At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee gathered around Messi before a drone display took place over the stadium. Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole”, also performed “Brindis” as part of the tribute.
Messi had earlier appeared emotional as thousands of supporters lined the route of the team bus from the training centre bearing his name.
In Rosario, his hometown, a large No. 10 shirt carrying the word “Gracias” was displayed at the National Flag Memorial.
During the pre-match handshake, Benin captain handed Messi a gift and a letter.
Messi was also joined in the stands by his family and former Argentina World Cup winners from the 1978, 1986 and 2022 squads, according to the report.
“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said.
“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.”
Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record goalscorer. His international career included Copa America and World Cup victories after years in which Argentina had struggled to win major international titles.
Landmarks across Buenos Aires were illuminated in Argentina’s sky-blue and white colours, while fans sang the national anthem during the farewell celebrations.
