BREAKING: Leo Messi Shine as Argentina Beat 93rd-Ranked Benin Republic in Farewell Game—-Lionel Messi scored and provided two assists as Argentina defeated Benin Republic 3-0 at the Monumental, giving their captain an emotional farewell after 21 years of international football.

Lionel Messi signed off his extraordinary international career in spectacular fashion as Argentina defeated Benin Republic 3-0 in a farewell friendly at the packed Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Playing his final game for the Argentina national team, the 39-year-old captain delivered a performance worthy of the occasion, scoring one goal and providing two assists as thousands of supporters gathered to celebrate the end of an unforgettable era.

More than 85,000 fans packed the Monumental for a night billed as Messi’s farewell, with Argentina transforming the friendly into a national celebration of their greatest-ever goalscorer and most-capped player.

The emotional atmosphere was evident even before kick-off, with Messi visibly moved as supporters gave him a huge reception. A giant Argentina No. 10 shirt bearing the word “Gracias” was also displayed in his hometown of Rosario as tributes poured in across the country.

Messi Creates Argentina’s Opener

After a goalless first half, Messi immediately made his influence felt after the break.

The Argentina captain delivered a dangerous corner that found veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, who converted in the 48th minute to give the hosts the lead.

Otamendi, who shared 17 years with Messi in the national team, was also bringing his international career to an end, making the moment even more poignant.

Messi Sets Up Nico Paz

Messi continued to control the game and produced another moment of brilliance in the 61st minute.

The Argentina captain created the opportunity for Nico Paz, who finished to double the hosts’ advantage and send the Monumental into another celebration.

It was Messi’s second assist of the evening and underlined his influence throughout his final appearance in the famous blue and white shirt.

Messi Scores in Fairytale Ending

The perfect farewell arrived in the 71st minute.

After Argentina were awarded a penalty, Messi stepped forward to take responsibility.

The 39-year-old calmly converted from the spot to score his 126th international goal for Argentina, sealing a 3-0 victory and providing the perfect final chapter to his international career.

The goal sparked another enormous celebration inside the Monumental as teammates surrounded Messi and supporters chanted his name.

An Emotional Goodbye

When the final whistle sounded, Messi was embraced by his teammates, opponents and members of the coaching staff as the magnitude of the occasion finally sank in.

A spectacular drone show followed, while Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as La Sole, performed as part of the farewell celebrations.

Messi admitted afterwards that the moment was difficult to put into words.

He reflected on the pride of representing Argentina for more than two decades and acknowledged how painful it would be not to continue playing for his country.

The End of an Extraordinary Era

Messi finishes his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and record goalscorer with 126 goals.

His international journey began in 2005 and ultimately produced some of the greatest achievements in Argentine football history, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima.

He also leaves with numerous individual records, having transformed a once-frustrating international career into one filled with major trophies and historic moments.

Argentina’s victory over Benin was therefore about far more than the result.

It was the final opportunity for the country’s supporters to watch Messi wear the national shirt on home soil — and the legendary captain made sure the night ended exactly as his fans had hoped.

With a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell, Messi gave Argentina one final masterclass before saying goodbye to the Albiceleste.