Messi Scores in Argentina Farewell as Benin Beaten 3-0
Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to a close with a goal in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at Estadio Monumental, ending a 20-year international spell in front of an 85,000-capacity home crowd.
The 39-year-old converted a penalty in the 71st minute of his 208th appearance for Argentina, extending his national-team record. Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz had already put the hosts in control before Messi completed the scoring.
Messi had confirmed in August that he would retire from international football after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain. The farewell occasion was marked by evident emotion before and after the match, from the team’s arrival through crowds outside River Plate’s stadium to the captain’s address on the pitch.
An emotional farewell in Buenos Aires
Argentina’s players gathered around Messi in the centre circle after the final whistle, with Enzo Fernandez among those unable to hide his tears. Messi told supporters that leaving the national side would be painful, while stressing the unique place the shirt has held throughout his career.
“It will hurt a lot not to come here and not to be with Argentina any more,” Messi said. “If it depended on me, I would stay here all my life, because representing Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is.”
He looked back on an international career that delivered the 2022 World Cup, Copa America and Finalissima, and also referred to the recent final defeat to Spain. Messi said the squad had continued fighting to the end despite being exhausted.
The forward also recognised former Argentina team-mates and remembered his father, Jorge, who died in August. “I will miss playing here enormously,” he said. “I leave thankful, proud and at peace.”
Referee’s unusual post-match gift
The final whistle also produced an unexpected moment involving Chilean referee Fernando Vejar. Vejar approached Messi, shook his hand and winked before giving the departing captain his yellow and red cards as a souvenir.
Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe appeared puzzled as he watched the exchange nearby. Messi did not appear especially interested in keeping the cards, and Argentine folk singer Soledad Pastorutti was later seen holding the plastic cards after performing following the game.
Scaloni faces a major rebuild
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni must now plan without the player who has defined the side for two decades. The task comes after the World Cup final disappointment and the permanent loss of the country’s most celebrated footballer.
Messi’s attention will now turn solely to Inter Miami as he seeks to end the domestic campaign strongly. His Argentina record, built across 208 caps and major tournament victories, leaves an international legacy that will be exceptionally difficult to equal.
