Lionel Messi ended his legendary Argentina career on a perfect night in Buenos Aires, scoring once and assisting twice as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in an international friendly at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday.
The 39 year old captained La Albiceleste for the 208th and final time in front of more than 85,000 fans. The game was billed as “The Last Tango” and was paused in the 10th minute so supporters could give him a standing ovation.
Before kickoff, the stadium held a special tribute. A giant Argentina shirt with “Gracias 10” printed on it was laid across the pitch, fireworks lit up the night sky over the Monumental, and a live rendition of the national anthem was performed as fans displayed a massive banner of Messi lifting the World Cup.
After a goalless first half, Messi took control. He swung in a corner in the 48th minute for Nicolas Otamendi to volley home the opener, his 69th assist for Argentina. Thirteen minutes later, he slipped in substitute Nico Paz, who curled in the second for Messi’s 70th assist.
The best was saved for last. After Agustin Giay was fouled in the box, Messi stepped up in the 71st minute and smashed his penalty into the top corner to make it 3-0. It was his 126th and final goal for his country.
Messi, who announced his international retirement on August 31, wore a special edition shirt with wider stripes, a giant sun and a golden No.10. He retires as Argentina’s record goalscorer and most-capped player, with a 21 year career that brought the 2022 World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
“I feel so many emotions. The first thing I think about is my old man,” Messi said in his farewell speech. “It was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years. Playing for the Argentina national team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
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