Messi Signs Off With Goal and Two Assists for Argentina
Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career in style on Tuesday, scoring one goal and setting up two more as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old played the full 90 minutes at the Estadio Monumental in front of more than 85,000 fans. He assisted Nicolas Otamendi's opener from a corner in the 48th minute and set up Nico Paz's strike in the 61st.
Messi then converted a penalty in the 71st minute to complete the scoring. It was his 126th goal for Argentina.
He retires as Argentina's most-capped player with 208 appearances and its all-time leading scorer, according to Reuters.
Messi won the 2022 World Cup and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024 during his international spell, which began in 2005.
He told fans after the match that playing for Argentina was the most wonderful thing that could happen to him. He continues his club career with Inter Miami.
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