Messi Ends Argentina Career, Scores Final Goal

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi played his final minutes for the Albiceleste national team on Tuesday evening, closing the curtain on an extraordinary, achievement-laden international career that culminated in his last goal against Benin in a 3-0 victory, amid an atmosphere charged with emotion blending gratitude and nostalgia.

The 39-year-old Messi, who earned 208 caps and scored 126 goals for Argentina, played the full match in front of more than 80,000 spectators at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, during a celebratory friendly against Benin, ranked 89th in the world.

Messi was the standout player for his country, scoring his 126th and final international goal from a penalty kick in the 70th minute, while also providing two assists, raising his tally of key passes for the Albiceleste to 67.

From a corner kick, he set up defender Nicolás Otamendi, 48, who also played his final match for Argentina, and delivered a decisive pass to Nicolás López, who scored the second goal in the 60th minute.

“I never stopped fighting,” Messi said, describing his retirement from international football as “one of the saddest days of my career.” Addressing the fans in the stadium, he said, “It was a great source of pride for me to wear this shirt for more than 20 years. Even during the worst moments we went through, and those I personally experienced, I never stopped fighting, and I never stopped being here.”

He added, “From now on, I will be on the other side (with the fans), supporting all the players and everyone who joins the national team. We will always remain united.”