BUENOS AIRES: Lionel Messi scored a penalty as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 on Tuesday in his final international appearance. The farewell at Monumental Stadium marked the end of his 21-year national-team career.
Messi supplied the assist for Nicolas Otamendi’s opening goal, while Nico Paz also scored. The captain then converted from the penalty spot in the 71st minute before 85,000 supporters.
The occasion, billed as “The Last Tango”, followed Messi’s earlier decision to retire from international football. At 39, he told supporters that leaving Argentina remained painful, but he felt ready to step aside.
“I feel that this is the moment,” Messi said in his post-match address.
He described representing his country as a source of pride and explained that the latest World Cup campaign had contributed to his decision. His father had been seriously ill during the tournament and later died.
Argentina lost that final 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey, two and a half months before the farewell. Messi later wrote that he had given everything and wanted younger players to have their opportunity.
Tributes began before kick-off. Crowds greeted the team bus on its journey to the stadium, and Messi entered the pitch alongside his three children. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from a box.
Organisers spread a giant Argentina shirt across the pitch with a message of thanks above his number. Play then stopped in the 10th minute for a minute-long ovation.
After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the sky with Messi’s image and another message thanking him.
Earlier in the day, the University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. Messi expressed pride in receiving the distinction, having previously spoken about his regret at not studying more.
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Former Barcelona teammate Neymar paid tribute on X, thanking Messi for his contribution to football and for deepening his own love of the sport.
Messi leaves an international career that included Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory, which ended the country’s 36-year wait for the trophy. He also helped Argentina win the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 and reach the 2014 World Cup final.
His national-team farewell does not end his club career. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, although he has said he could retire sooner.
(With additional adinput from AFP)
