END OF AN ERA: LIONEL MESSI SIGNS OFF ARGENTINA CAREER WITH GOAL AND TWO ASSISTS IN 3-0 WIN OVER BENIN

LIONEL MESSI ENDS HIS INTERNATIONAL CAREER.

Football legend Lionel Messi brought down the curtain on his historic 21-year international career with a fairytale performance, driving Argentina to a 3-0 win against Benin at Estadio Mâs Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Playing in his record-extending 208th international match, the 39-year-old captain had a direct hand in every goal of the night:

• 48′ — Messi delivered a precise corner kick set-piece, met by veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi for the opener.

• 61′ — He created Argentina’s second, picking out Nico Paz to double the lead.

• 71′ — Messi capped his farewell by converting a penalty into the top corner for his 126th and final international goal.

Over 85,000 emotional supporters filled the stadium to bid farewell to the global superstar. Following the match, a special ceremony featuring light shows, drone displays, and a presentation by match officials honored Messi’s unmatched legacy with La Albiceleste.

LIONEL MESSI’S FINAL ARGENTINA CAREER RECORD