Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires, describing playing for his country as “the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
A record-breaking international career
The 39-year-old finishes with 208 senior caps, the most in Argentina’s history, and 126 goals, also a national record. During his 21-year international spell, Messi won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
On an emotional night, Messi assisted the first two goals, setting up 38-year-old centre-back Nicolas Otamendi and then Nico Paz. After a goalless first half, Otamendi fired home after the visitors failed to clear a Messi corner, and Paz doubled the lead from the edge of the area after 61 minutes.
Emotional farewell and penalty finale
Messi had the last word when Tamimou Ouorou’s challenge on Agustin Giay resulted in a penalty, which the Inter Miami forward blasted into the top corner. Messi, who announced his international retirement following this summer’s World Cup and the death of his father, said in quotes reported by the Argentinean Football Association: “I feel so many emotions. The first thing I think about is my old man. I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.”
“I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I swear to you that I’d like to come back for life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you,” he added.
Contrast with Ronaldo
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said of his captain: “It’s been a dream come true. I never thought I’d be the coach of the best footballer in history. The feeling of having him (Messi) on your side is incomparable… I’ve never seen that aura in anyone else in my life.”
Messi’s farewell stands in stark contrast to his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who has continued to embarrass himself in the twilight of his career after storming out of the Portugal camp.
