rki.news | Sources: Reuters / Dawn
BUENOS AIRES, Oct. 7: Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career in memorable fashion, scoring once and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a friendly on Tuesday.
The match at the Monumental Stadium marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, bringing an emotional close to one of the most successful international careers in football history.
Messi opened the scoring before setting up two further goals as Argentina produced a dominant performance. The victory gave supporters an opportunity to celebrate the 39-year-old captain and his extraordinary contribution to the national team.
Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s leading scorer and appearance holder. He also finishes his international career as the team’s leading provider of assists.
His Argentina career began in 2005 and included major triumphs, most notably the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles.
Fans and teammates paid tribute to Messi before and after the match, marking the end of an era for Argentine football.
Messi’s farewell comes after a record-breaking international career in which he established himself as one of football’s greatest players.
Messi Ends Argentina Career with Goal and Two Assists
