Lionel Messi transformed his final night in the Argentina shirt into a historic farewell, delivering a stellar performance in a 3–0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Mās Monumental in Buenos Aires. The Argentina captain recorded one goal and two assists, bringing a triumphant close to his legendary international career.
Kabul 24: This final appearance marked the culmination of a journey that began on August 17, 2005, against Hungary. Closing his international chapter after 208 appearances and 126 goals, Messi took the pitch for *La Albiceleste* one last time. Despite a disciplined first-half defensive effort from Benin led by goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, who made several key saves Argentina broke the deadlock in the second half.
Messi initiated the breakthrough by delivering a precise corner kick to Nicolas Otamendi, allowing his longtime teammate to score in his own farewell match. Shortly after, Messi set up young talent Nico Paz, who doubled the lead with a striking finish. The captain then capped his performance by calmly converting a penalty kick, securing his 126th international goal.
Playing the full 90 minutes, Messi maintained pressure until the final whistle, striking the woodwork in the closing stages. Rather than bowing out quietly, Messi concluded his international story at the very pinnacle of the game, cementing a legacy that remains permanently etched in football history.
