Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal as the team beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.
The farewell night was filled with tributes, music, lights and fireworks for the Argentine captain. Fans gathered to celebrate Messi’s final appearance for the national team.
Argentina were held scoreless in the first half. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring after the break. Nicolas Paz then doubled Argentina’s lead.
Messi completed the win by scoring Argentina’s third goal in the final moments of the match. It gave the captain a memorable ending in front of the home crowd.
After the match, Messi spoke emotionally about his time with Argentina. He thanked the fans and his teammates and said he would miss playing for the national team.
Messi also recalled the joy of returning to the Monumental after Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory.
The farewell celebrations continued after the match with music, drone displays, lights and fireworks.
