Lionel Messi concluded his international football career with a goal in a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring his 126th international goal in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at El Monumental stadium. The 39-year-old superstar, who announced his retirement on August 31, also provided assists for teammates Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz during the match.

A Career Finale

Following the match, Messi addressed fans at the stadium, expressing gratitude for his time with the national team and acknowledging the difficulty of his decision to retire. The event featured a drone show that displayed a profile of Messi's face in the sky above the stadium.

International Legacy

Messi’s international career included leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they defeated France on penalties. This followed a period of struggle for the player, who had previously announced a temporary retirement in 2016 after losing three consecutive finals. While his international career has ended, Messi remains under contract with his club, Inter Miami, until 2028.