The Monumental in Buenos Aires witnessed a memorable night in Argentine football as Lionel Messi made his final appearance for the national team, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin in an international friendly.
It was Messi’s 208th and final appearance for the Albiceleste, bringing the curtain down on an extraordinary international career. From the opening whistle, Argentina were determined to give their captain the farewell he deserved — and, above all, to help him find the net one last time.
The Monumental paid tribute to its greatest star in the 10th minute, with the entire stadium rising to applaud Messi.
The captain came close to breaking the deadlock in the 24th minute, but his effort from just inside the six-yard area narrowly missed the target. Eight minutes later, Lautaro Martínez produced a superb outside-of-the-foot pass to find Messi, whose subsequent effort once again failed to beat the Benin goalkeeper.
Benin, however, proved to be far from passive opponents. The visitors created two dangerous opportunities of their own before half-time, forcing Argentina to remain alert. Despite Argentina's dominance and Messi's attempts to open his account, the first half ended goalless.
Messi Turns Provider
The breakthrough finally arrived three minutes after the restart — and Messi was involved, although not as the goalscorer.
In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a corner into the danger area, where Nicolás Otamendi rose highest to head Argentina into the lead.
It was a particularly emotional moment for Otamendi, who was also making his final appearance for Argentina. The veteran defender left the pitch shortly after scoring, bringing another international chapter to an end on an unforgettable night.
Argentina doubled their advantage in the 61st minute. Shortly after coming on, Nico Paz received another fine pass from Messi and produced a superb finish to make it 2-0.
One Last Goal for Messi
There was still one moment the Monumental was waiting for.
In the 71st minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty, giving Messi the opportunity to write one final goal into his international story.
The captain made no mistake.
Messi calmly converted from the spot to score his 126th goal for Argentina, sending the Monumental into celebration and completing the farewell everyone had hoped for.
Argentina continued to create chances in the closing stages, with both Messi and his teammates coming close to adding a fourth. But three goals were enough to seal a fitting victory.
Messi's final night in an Argentina shirt ended with a goal, an assist, a victory and a stadium united in celebration of a player who has defined an era of Argentine football.
Lionel Messi: 208 appearances, 126 goals — and one final night with the Albiceleste.