Lionel Messi ends 21-year Argentina career with a win

Lionel Messi has ended his 21-year international football career with a three-nil win over Benin in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored a penalty and set up the other two goals in the second half of his final match on Tuesday night. He leaves the Argentina team holding records of 208 appearances, 126 goals, and 66 assists. Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo led the tributes online, writing on Instagram that Messi shares a history that will last forever and earned his full respect. Ronaldinho, Messi's former Barcelona teammate, and Neymar also posted messages on social media to thank him for his career. Messi will now focus on club football with Inter Miami, while Ronaldo continues to play for Portugal amid a dispute with his national coach Jorge Jesus.

Context

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are widely seen as two of the greatest football players in history, having dominated the sport for nearly two decades. Their long rivalry includes numerous records, Ballon d'Or awards, and peak years competing against each other in Spain.