Lionel Messi scores in final Argentina appearance as Benin beaten 3–0

Lionel Messi marked his Argentina farewell with a goal and two assists as the World Cup winner ended his international career in a 3–0 victory over Benin.

The 39-year-old converted a 71st-minute penalty at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, having earlier created goals for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz.

He finishes as Argentina’s record scorer and most-capped player, with 126 goals in 208 appearances.

Messi Argentina farewell ends with final goal

After a goalless first half, Messi’s corner set up Otamendi to open the scoring in the 48th minute. The defender was also making his final international appearance.

Paz added the second in the 61st minute following another Messi assist, before the captain completed the scoring from the penalty spot.

Inter Miami’s match report confirmed Messi’s involvement in all three goals as Argentina wore a commemorative kit for the occasion.

More than 85,000 supporters attended a farewell that brought together Messi’s family and former Argentina World Cup winners.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years,” Messi said, as reported by Reuters.

The forward’s Argentina career included the 2022 World Cup triumph and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Tuesday’s match closed his international career, with the Inter Miami captain having announced his decision to retire from Argentina duty in August.

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