Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina with a Goal and Two Assists

What better way could there have been to say goodbye? Argentina ended Lionel Messi’s international chapter in perfect fashion, beating Benin 3-0 at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. The captain directly contributed to all three goals, scoring once and providing two assists in an emotional farewell.

The night was filled with emotion as thousands of fans watched Messi take the field in Argentina’s iconic No. 10 shirt for one of his final appearances for the national team. Tears, applause and a spectacular tribute made the occasion even more memorable.

Argentina dominated the first half but failed to break the deadlock. The game changed shortly after the interval.

In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a precise corner that Nicolas Otamendi converted with a superb volley to put Argentina ahead. The assist was Messi’s 68th for the national team.

Messi was involved again in the 61st minute. The Argentina captain picked out young star Nico Paz outside the box. Paz took control and produced a stunning curling finish to beat the goalkeeper and double Argentina’s lead.

After setting up two goals, Messi finally found the net himself. In the 69th minute, Argentina were awarded a penalty after a Benin defender committed a foul inside the box. A minute later, the 39-year-old superstar stepped up and calmly fired a precise right-footed strike into the net, sending the Monumental into celebration.

There was also a special tribute in the 10th minute. Play was stopped for a minute in honor of Messi’s iconic No. 10 shirt, with the referee and the entire stadium joining in the applause. Messi responded by waving to the supporters as fireworks illuminated the night sky.

Argentina eventually secured a 3-0 victory, bringing Messi’s 21-year international journey with the national team to an emotional close. With a goal and two assists, the Argentine legend produced the perfect performance for a farewell that will live long in football history.