Messi Ends Argentina Career With Goal, Two Assists in 3-0 Win Over Benin

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, October 6. He had a hand in all three goals.

The match was goalless at half-time. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute, heading in a corner taken by Messi. Nicolas Paz doubled the lead in the 61st minute with a left-footed finish, set up by another Messi pass. Argentina then won a penalty in the 68th minute. Messi stepped up in the 71st minute and drilled it into the top corner with his left foot.

The penalty was Messi's 126th goal for Argentina, extending his record as the national team's all-time top scorer. The match was his 208th and final cap. Over two decades with the national team, he won the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

Messi announced his retirement from international football in August. The Argentine Football Association then called him up for one last match at home and invited the 2022 World Cup winners to join the send-off. The Monumental gave him a long ovation at the final whistle. The 39-year-old will continue his club career with Inter Miami.