Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in an emotional farewell on Wednesday.
After a goalless first half, Argentina found the breakthrough soon after the restart. Messi delivered a corner into the area in the 48th minute and Nicolas Otamendi finished from close range. It was also Otamendi’s final appearance for Argentina.
The defender received his own farewell shortly afterwards. He was substituted and embraced by his teammates as the crowd gave him a warm ovation.
Messi then created Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute. He found Nico Paz, who curled a fine effort into the net from the edge of the area. The moment the entire stadium had been waiting for finally arrived in the 70th minute.
Argentina won a penalty and Messi stepped up. He fired his spot kick into the top corner to score in his final international appearance and put Argentina 3-0 ahead.
Messi had opportunities to add another. He missed from close range later in the second half before hitting the post in the 89th minute.
But there was no need for another goal. His final night in Argentina colours already had its fitting moment. The emotion continued after the final whistle.
Messi was surrounded by his teammates as they embraced their captain following his final game for the country. Benin players also approached him and took selfies with the Argentina great.
Match officials and others on the pitch joined the farewell, while many supporters watched from the stands with tears in their eyes.
The celebrations then moved to the sky above the Monumental. A special drone show lit up the night as another tribute to Messi and his remarkable Argentina career.
The night had started with tributes and a special ovation in the 10th minute. It ended with Messi at the centre of the celebrations once again.
One goal, two assists and a 3-0 victory brought the curtain down on Messi’s Argentina career.
