Precious Nwonu, Enugu

Lionel Messi brought his illustrious international career with Argentina to an emotional end on Tuesday, scoring in his final appearance as the world champions defeated Benin Republic 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old captain played his record 208th match for Argentina and scored his 126th international goal in a farewell watched by about 85,000 supporters.

Messi also contributed two assists, setting up Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal before helping Nico Paz find the net. He then completed his own memorable night by converting a penalty in the 71st minute.

However, the result was secondary to the emotional significance of the occasion as Argentine supporters gathered to celebrate one of the greatest players in football history.

Speaking to the crowd after the match, Messi admitted that leaving the national team would be extremely difficult.

“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” he said.

“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”

Messi said the decision to retire was not one he made without reflection, but maintained that he believed the time had come to step aside.

He had previously said after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final that he had given everything he could and that a younger generation deserved an opportunity.

The farewell ceremony began long before kick-off. Messi was visibly emotional as the team bus travelled through crowds of supporters on its way to the stadium.

He later entered the pitch with his three sons, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from the stands.

A giant Argentina shirt carrying Messi’s famous No. 10 and the word “Gracias” was displayed on the pitch as supporters celebrated the departing captain.

The match was also stopped in the 10th minute for a minute-long ovation in honour of Messi’s iconic shirt number.

After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the sky above the Monumental, forming Messi’s image and messages thanking him for his contribution to Argentine football.

The farewell came four years after Messi led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title in Qatar, ending the country’s 36-year wait for another World Cup triumph.

His international honours also include Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, as well as an Olympic gold medal.

During his 21-year international career, Messi became Argentina’s most-capped player and leading goalscorer, while establishing himself as the central figure of one of the most successful periods in the country’s football history.

Before the match, the University of Buenos Aires also honoured Messi with an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.

Tributes poured in from across the football world, including from his former Barcelona teammate Neymar, who thanked Messi for his influence on the sport.

Messi’s future at club level remains uncertain. He is under contract with Inter Miami until 2028 but has indicated that his international retirement could eventually be followed by the end of his playing career.

For Argentina, however, the era of Messi in the national team has now officially ended, with the captain leaving the pitch as a world champion, record goalscorer and one of the most decorated players to ever wear the famous blue and white shirt.