By Bhekizenzo Zonele
Lionel Messi ended his international career with one final decisive performance, scoring and creating two goals as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
More than 85,000 supporters packed the stadium on Tuesday night to watch the 39-year-old captain represent Argentina for the 208th and final time.
The first major tribute came in the 10th minute, when play was halted and supporters rose to applaud the player who had worn the number throughout most of his international career.
ALSO READ: Latest fuel hike will hurt consumers but won’t change votes, says economist
Messi then shaped the match itself.
He provided the pass for Nicolás Otamendi to open the scoring and later created Argentina’s second goal for Nico Paz.
Messi added the third from the penalty spot late in the match, taking his international record to 126 goals.
After the final whistle, Messi remained on the pitch with his family and teammates before speaking to the crowd.
“I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here,” Messi said.
He also spoke about his father, Jorge Messi, who died in August.
“It is very difficult to say anything today. There are a lot of emotions. The first thing I think about is my old man,” Messi said.
The match closed an Argentina career that began two decades ago and eventually produced the major international honours that had eluded Messi for much of his career.
Argentina won the Copa América in 2021 before beating Italy in the Finalissima the following year.
Messi then captained Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, where they defeated France on penalties after a 3-3 draw in the final.
Argentina followed that success by winning another Copa América title in 2024.
Messi formally announced his decision to retire from international football on 31 August, when he published a letter thanking his family, teammates, coaches and supporters.
He finishes as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading goalscorer, with 208 caps and 126 goals.
ALSO READ: ANALYSIS: Distressed councils carry years of revenue in overdue debt
Tributes were also held in Rosario, Messi’s hometown, where a giant Argentina shirt bearing the word “Gracias” was displayed as supporters marked his final game.
Messi, who has won the Ballon d’Or eight times, is also among the nominees for the 2026 award.
Tuesday’s match was also the final Argentina appearance for Otamendi, with Messi setting up his fellow veteran for the opening goal.
Messi leaves international football after helping Argentina win four senior titles and playing a central role in the team’s return to the top of world football, including its first World Cup triumph since 1986.
