Lionel Messi enjoyed a memorable farewell to international football as he scored in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final, was given the opportunity to celebrate his illustrious career in the friendly. His former teammates from Argentina’s victorious 2022 World Cup squad were also invited.
The 39-year-old finishes his international career with 208 senior appearances, the highest in Argentina’s history, while his 126 goals for the national team are also a record. He remains the only player to have started three World Cup finals.
Messi’s farewell was briefly overshadowed by fellow departing Argentina defender Nicolás Otamendi, 38, who opened the scoring three minutes after the restart. Nico Paz then extended the advantage with a second goal.
However, Messi had the final say, converting a penalty with 20 minutes left to bring his remarkable international career to a fitting close.
The Inter Miami forward had an early chance saved by Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, while Aiyegun Tosin narrowly missed an opportunity to give the visitors a surprise lead.
Messi sent another effort wide midway through the first half and was off target again in the 33rd minute. Emi Martinez later denied Junior Olaitan before Otamendi broke the deadlock after Benin failed to clear a Messi corner.
Dandjinou then stopped an Enzo Fernández header, but could do nothing to prevent Paz from finding the net from the edge of the box in the 61st minute.
Messi’s farewell goal arrived 10 minutes later after Tamimou Ouorou brought down Agustín Giay inside the area. Messi stepped up and confidently fired the penalty into the top corner for his 126th and final international goal.
Dandjinou made another late save to deny Leonel Flores before Messi received an emotional farewell from the Buenos Aires crowd at the final whistle.