KATHMANDU: Lionel Messi has concluded his 21-year international football career, marking his final appearance for Argentina with a 3-0 victory over Benin on Wednesday morning.
The 39-year-old forward played his 208th match for the national team at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, contributing one goal and two assists in a memorable send-off.
After a scoreless first half, Argentina broke the deadlock in the 48th minute when Nicolas Otamendi scored from a corner kick delivered by Messi. Nico Paz soon doubled the lead, again with a crucial involvement from Messi. In the 71st minute, Messi scored from a penalty kick to cement the win. With this performance, he finished his international career having scored 126 goals in 208 appearances, retiring as Argentina’s all-time leading appearance maker and top goalscorer.
The match featured several tributes to the veteran star. In the 10th minute, the referee paused play while fans gave Messi a standing ovation. A massive number 10 jersey was displayed on the pitch, and Messi appeared visibly emotional during the national anthem. The captain of Benin also presented him with a commemorative plaque and a letter.
Under Messi’s leadership, Argentina secured the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup. He announced his retirement on Aug. 31, stating he had nothing left to give the national squad. While his international career has ended, Messi will continue his club career with Inter Miami, where he is under contract until the end of the 2028 season.
