Messi scores in Argentina farewell as 21-year international career ends
Lionel Messi scored a penalty in his final Argentina match, setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin.
Lionel Messi played his last match for Argentina on Tuesday, capping a 21-year international career with a masterclass. The 39-year-old scored a penalty and set up two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
Messi leaves as his country's most-capped player with 208 caps and its record goal scorer with 126. More than 85,000 fans filled the stadium.
After the final whistle, Messi told the crowd: "I love all of you, and I will miss all of you. I am proud to be Argentine."
His family watched from the stands alongside some of Argentina's World Cup winners from 1978, 1986, and 2022.
- 208 matches played
- International caps
- 126 goals scored
- International goals
- More than 85,000 fans
- Stadium attendance
- 21 years
- International career length
Why it mattersOne of football's greatest players has ended his international journey, leaving behind an unmatched legacy of records and achievements.
AustraliaAustralians who follow football lose one of sport's most watched and admired figures from international competition.
Corroborated by7news.com.au·aljazeera.com
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 3 h ago
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