Lionel Messi Prepares for His Final Match for Argentina
- On Tuesday, Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, with the 39-year-old scoring a penalty and providing two assists before a sellout crowd of 85,000.
- Messi announced his retirement in August, ending a 21-year tenure that included a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América trophies , departing as Argentina's all-time record appearance-maker with 208 caps and 126 goals.
- A minute-long ovation halted play in the 10th minute to honor Messi's famous shirt number, while supporters displayed a giant 'Gracias' banner as his family watched from a VIP box.
- National coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed defender Cristian Romero will inherit the captain's armband, stating, "Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo." Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez follow in the succession hierarchy.
- Argentina is shifting focus toward the 2028 Copa América, with coach Scaloni integrating emerging talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono to maintain competitive standards without their longtime leader.
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21st-century football hero Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) shed tears during his retirement match for the national team. On the 7th (Korean time), Messi played the full match in a friendly against Benin held at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, scoring a penalty kick goal and providing two assists to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory.
At the Stadio Monumental in Buenos Aires Argentina beats 3-0 Benin. The captain scores on rigor, serves two assists, a pole in the final. Then speaks to the 80 thousand...
Lionel Messi left the Argentine national team after more than 21 years at the 3-0 against Benin. His country playing career had begun with a red card.
Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina with a goal, two assists in 3-0 win over Benin
Lionel Messi signed off from international football in fairytale fashion, delivering two assists and scoring a goal as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night.
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