Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career in tears and glory on Tuesday. He scored and set up two goals in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires.

More than 85,000 fans packed the Monumental stadium for the 39-year-old’s farewell. Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi’s opener and Nico Paz’s second goal. He then converted a 71st-minute penalty, his 126th international goal.

Messi finishes as Argentina’s record scorer with 126 goals and record appearance maker with 208 caps. His 21-year international career brought the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.

The night was pure theatre. A giant “Gracias” shirt was unfurled in his hometown Rosario. The match was paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation. A drone show lit up the sky after the final whistle.

Messi had announced his international retirement on Aug. 31. He will keep playing club football for Inter Miami.

“I don’t want to leave here, I don’t want to leave this field,” he told the crowd. “I’m going to miss you, and I’m grateful to God to be Argentine.”