Lionel Messi ends 21-year Argentina career with goal and assist in win over Benin

Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina on Tuesday night, leading his team to a 3-0 win over Benin at the El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old superstar scored a goal and provided an assist during the packed farewell appearance.

Career Milestones

Messi finished his international career spanning 21 years as the second-highest international goal scorer with 126 goals and the record holder for the most assists with 66. His final assist came in the 48th minute when he set up Nicolas Otamendi. Fans in the stadium gave him a raucous applause in the 10th minute, matching the number on his shirt and echoing the era of Diego Maradona.

Farewell Speech

In an emotional post-match speech, Messi thanked the fans, his teammates, and his family while admitting that leaving the national team will hurt immensely. He specifically remembered his father, Jorge, who passed away last month. The match was attended by members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families.

Context

International football retirements of legendary players often mark the end of an era for their national teams, particularly when those players have carried the side to major tournament victories over two decades. Argentina's recent golden generation under Messi's captaincy brought the country its first World Cup title since 1986, cementing his status in global sports history.