Buenos Aires, 07 October (H.S.): Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina memorable with a goal and two assists in the team’s match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday. Messi capped his farewell in spectacular fashion by converting a penalty.

The 39-year-old Messi had announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s narrow 0-1 defeat to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final a few days earlier. The match against Benin subsequently became his farewell appearance for the Argentina national team.

During the match, Messi provided two assists in the second half to help Argentina take a 2-0 lead. In the 48th minute, he set up his long-time teammate Nicolás Otamendi, who found the back of the net. The match was also Otamendi’s final appearance in an Argentina shirt.

Messi then provided an assist for Nico Paz in the 61st minute. Paz is regarded as one of the players viewed as a potential successor to Messi on the right wing for Argentina.

Ten minutes later, Messi had an opportunity to get on the scoresheet himself. After Argentina were awarded a penalty, Messi stepped up and sent the ball into the top-right corner of the net to score his team’s third goal.

Messi thus brought his international career to a memorable conclusion in his final match for Argentina, contributing one goal and two assists.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar