Lionel Messi Prepares for His Final Match for Argentina
Messi scored a goal and two assists as 85,000 fans saluted his 21-year Argentina career in a 3-0 win over Benin.
- On Tuesday, Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, with the 39-year-old scoring a penalty and providing two assists before a sellout crowd of 85,000.
- Messi announced his retirement in August, ending a 21-year tenure that included a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América trophies , departing as Argentina's all-time record appearance-maker with 208 caps and 126 goals.
- A minute-long ovation halted play in the 10th minute to honor Messi's famous shirt number, while supporters displayed a giant 'Gracias' banner as his family watched from a VIP box.
- National coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed defender Cristian Romero will inherit the captain's armband, stating, "Collectively, we will try to fill the void left by Leo." Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez follow in the succession hierarchy.
- Argentina is shifting focus toward the 2028 Copa América, with coach Scaloni integrating emerging talents like Nico Paz and Franco Mastantuono to maintain competitive standards without their longtime leader.
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The evening of Tuesday in Buenos Aires had a world-wide match air, with all over the street on the shoulders, bloated jerseys of the N°10, flags, a crowd on the route of the selection bus, monuments illuminated in the sky and white, a fan zone to the university city, with giant screen.
With a goal and two assists, Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina as an international in a friendly against Benin (3-0). He continues playing football...
21 years, 208 games, one World Championship title, two Copa America victories.
Lionel Messi had a perfect end to his international career. The 39-year-old was widely praised when he scored his final goal for Argentina. “I have been so happy to wear this shirt for over twenty years,” he said after the 3-0 victory.
21st-century football hero Lionel Messi (39, Inter Miami) shed tears during his retirement match for the national team. On the 7th (Korean time), Messi played the full match in a friendly against Benin held at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, scoring a penalty kick goal and providing two assists to lead Argentina to a 3-0 victory.
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