Messi Signs Off With Goal and Two Assists as Argentina Beat Benin
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina international career in memorable fashion, contributing directly to all three goals as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a farewell friendly at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
The 39-year-old captain recorded two assists before scoring from the penalty spot, bringing an emotional end to his 21-year international career.
Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute after Messi provided the assist. Nico Paz then doubled Argentina’s advantage in the 61st minute, again with Messi involved in the build-up and credited with the assist.
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Messi completed the scoring in the 71st minute, calmly converting a penalty to register his 126th international goal for Argentina.
The match marked Messi’s record 208th appearance for Argentina and his final outing for the national team. He leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer.
More than 85,000 supporters filled the Monumental to witness the farewell, with the occasion turning into an emotional celebration of Messi’s extraordinary career in Argentina colours.
Messi will now continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he remains under contract through the 2028 season.
About the Author
Karrel Hamutenya is a senior sports journalist at The Updated World, with more than five years of experience reporting on local sport in Namibia and international sports news.His work covers match reports, transfer updates, and exclusive interviews with athletes, providing fans with deeper insight into the game and the people behind it.
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