Messi leaves Argentina’s national team with records of 208 appearances and 126 goals. His final match brought tributes from teammates and fans, followed by a farewell address to the crowd.

The Argentina captain said leaving the national team marked the saddest day of his career. He said he would now support the players from among the fans.

A goal and two assists in his final match

Messi helped create all three goals against Benin, according to a match report from Inter Miami, his club. He delivered the corner for defender Nicolás Otamendi’s opening goal in the 48th minute.

He then set up Argentina player Nico Paz, who doubled the lead in the 61st minute. Messi completed the scoring with a penalty in the 71st minute.

The farewell had been arranged before the game. FIFA, football’s international governing body, had announced the fixture as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina.

In a September 15 statement quoted by FIFA, Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia said Messi had been invited to receive a deserved farewell in Argentina.

Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou had said before the match that his team had come to compete. Speaking to Spanish newspaper Marca, he rejected the idea that Benin would let Messi score for the occasion and said his job was to stop shots.

Messi and Scaloni reflect on the farewell

Messi thanked the crowd and said it had been a huge source of pride to represent Argentina for more than 20 years. He said he had continued fighting through difficult periods and that no longer playing for the team would be deeply painful.

Several teammates, including Enzo Fernandez, were in tears at the final whistle. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said coaching Messi had been a dream come true.

Scaloni expressed lasting gratitude for the opportunity to work with his captain. He said Messi would leave an incredible legacy and that not seeing him in the team would be sad.

Barcelona pays tribute to his Argentina career

Messi’s international honours include the 2022 World Cup and two Copa América titles, South America’s continental championship. He also won Olympic gold with Argentina at the 2008 Beijing Games.

Barcelona, the Spanish club where Messi spent most of his professional career, paid tribute on October 7. In a message on X, the club celebrated his journey from Olympic gold to his later achievements with Argentina.