Lionel Messi said goodbye to Argentina with two goals. The world champions beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly on Tuesday.
A Fitting Send-Off
The match was Messi’s last for his country. The 39-year-old captain had announced his international retirement in August.
He left in style. Messi struck twice after the break and sent the crowd home happy.
How the Goals Came
Argentina took the lead late in the first half. Nicolás Otamendi scored in the 44th minute, and the hosts went into the break 1-0 up.
Then Messi took over. In the 61st minute, he finished a move involving Nicolás Paz to make it 2-0.
Ten minutes later, he added the third. Messi stayed calm from the penalty spot in the 71st minute and sealed the win.
Benin Held Out Hope
Benin tried to hit back. However, they could not break through. Argentina’s defence stayed firm until the final whistle.
The Road to This Night
The match took place at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina’s football association president, Claudio Tapia, said the invitation was meant to give Messi “the farewell he truly deserves.”
Before the match, Messi was Argentina’s all-time top scorer with 125 goals. He also holds eight Ballon d’Or awards. For many fans, the game closed one of the longest and most celebrated careers in international football.
