Lionel Messi brought his international career to a close on Tuesday, making his final appearance for Argentina in front of 85,000 supporters in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old signed off with a goal and an assist as Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
Messi’s 126th international goal came in his 208th appearance for the national side, both records for Argentina. He also set up Nicolás Otamendi for the opening goal, with Nico Paz adding the third.
The match marked the end of a 21-year international career that included a World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022 and multiple Copa América titles, cementing Messi’s place in the conversation around the greatest footballers to have played the game.
