BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi delivered one final masterclass in Argentina colors, scoring once and setting up two goals as the world champions blanked Benin, 3-0, in a friendly on Tuesday (Wednesday in the Philippines) in Buenos Aires to cap his storied international career.
The 39-year-old captain fittingly had a hand in all three goals in his farewell appearance, breaking open a scoreless match after halftime before converting a penalty to put the finishing touch on his final outing for La Albiceleste.
Messi unlocked the Benin defense in the 48th minute when his corner kick from the left found veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, who finished from close range to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
The Inter Miami CF star turned provider again in the 59th minute, setting up Nico Paz, who curled a left-footed effort from outside the penalty area into the net to double Argentina’s advantage.
Messi then gave the Buenos Aires crowd the moment it had been waiting for in the 71st minute after Argentina was awarded a penalty following a late challenge on right-back Agustin Giay.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner calmly converted from the spot for a 3-0 advantage, adding one final goal to his decorated international career.
Messi nearly struck again late in the contest when he stepped up for a free kick from the edge of the penalty area, but his attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Argentina controlled possession for much of the opening half but struggled to penetrate Benin’s defense, while the visitors occasionally threatened on the counterattack.
The breakthrough finally came three minutes after the restart, triggering a dominant second-half display from the reigning world champions.
The match marked the end of Messi’s international career with Argentina, although he is set to continue playing professionally for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Following the final whistle, a drone display above the stadium paid tribute to Messi, featuring images associated with his Argentina career, including the national team jersey and the Argentine Football Association emblem.
Argentina will now enter the post-Messi era, with younger players such as Paz and Franco Mastantuono expected to help carry the national team forward alongside established stars Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez and Enzo Fernandez./PN
