Lionel Messi brought his Argentina career to a memorable close by scoring once and setting up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin early on Wednesday.
The captain was involved in all three goals during his final appearance for the national team, delivering the kind of performance that has defined his international career.
Messi made an immediate contribution after the interval, providing the corner from which Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring in the 48th minute. His delivery found the defender, who rose above the Benin defence and headed the ball into the net.
The 39-year-old then turned provider again in the 61st minute. Messi picked out substitute Nico Paz, who finished the move by beating the Benin goalkeeper to double Argentina’s advantage.
Messi completed the scoring 10 minutes later, converting a penalty in the 71st minute to give Argentina a commanding victory and a fitting ending to his time in the national team.
His display earned him the highest rating of the match, with a score of 8.5 out of 10. Alongside his goal and two assists, Messi created four key passes and produced two clear chances for teammates.
It meant his final international performance included every aspect of his familiar game: creating goals, scoring himself and repeatedly opening opportunities for those around him.
Messi’s farewell was met with an enthusiastic reaction online, with one post describing it as “the greatest farewell in history” after he created the first goal, made the second and scored the third.
The result also completed an emotional final night for the Argentina captain. After the final whistle, he said goodbye to the supporters as the celebrations surrounding his last appearance created a scene that will remain memorable for Argentina fans.
With his final contribution for the national side, Messi ended his journey in Argentina colours in the same manner in which he established his legacy: as the central figure in a major victory, influencing the match from start to finish.
