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Lionel Messi signed off from international football in style, scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in his emotional farewell match at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Around 85,000 fans packed the stadium to witness Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, creating an emotional atmosphere as the 39-year-old superstar brought the curtain down on a career spanning more than two decades.
Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring from a Messi assist, while Nico Paz doubled Argentina’s lead with a strike from outside the box. Messi then completed the 3-0 victory by converting a penalty in the 71st minute.
The match was briefly stopped early on for a special tribute to Messi, with fans chanting his name and applauding the Argentina captain.
Messi leaves the national team as Argentina’s record goalscorer and appearance-maker, having helped the country win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
“I leave in peace. I gave everything,” Messi said ahead of his final goodbye.
