Messi signs off for Argentina with a goal in 3-0 win over Benin

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career on Tuesday with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires, according to the Associated Press. The 39-year-old finished with 126 international goals after making his 208th appearance for the national team.

Watch the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhXanGf-kGU

The match combined a final outing with tributes at the Monumental Stadium. The Guardian reported that play stopped in the 10th minute for an ovation and Messi converted a 71st-minute penalty. Before kickoff, a huge Argentina shirt bearing his number and a message of thanks had been spread across the pitch.

Latin America News Agency's account, carried by Reuters Connect, described Messi entering the field with his children and becoming emotional during the national anthem. Supporters had accompanied the team bus on its journey to the ground. The celebrations also extended beyond the stadium: earlier in the day, the University of Buenos Aires awarded him an honorary doctorate.

The farewell had been arranged after Messi announced his international retirement. FIFA reported in September that Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia had invited him to return for an appearance in front of home supporters. The federation selected the October 6 friendly against Benin at the Monumental for that occasion, allowing him to take the field for Argentina once more.

His departure followed Argentina's 1-0 defeat by Spain in July's World Cup final in New Jersey, AP reported in its coverage before the farewell. Four years earlier, Messi had led Argentina to the title in Qatar. He also won the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, successes that came after an earlier, brief retirement from international football in 2016.

Messi's senior international career began against Hungary in August 2005, according to the Latin America News Agency account. It spanned six World Cups and also included the 2022 Finalissima title. Tuesday's appearance brought that national-team chapter to a close after more than two decades, but it was not a departure from club football: Messi continues his professional career with Inter Miami.