Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires as Lionel Messi ended a 21-year international career with a penalty and two assists in front of more than 85,000 fans.
Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career on Tuesday with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, Reuters reported. More than 85,000 people attended. The 39-year-old leaves as the country's most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record scorer.
The first half was goalless. Messi then assisted Nicolas Otamendi, who was also playing his last international, for the opener. He set up Nico Paz for the second and converted a penalty for 3-0, his 126th international goal. Teammates, opponents and the referee gathered around him at the whistle before a drone show.
Landmarks in the capital were lit in sky blue and white. Hours earlier a large number 10 shirt marked Gracias was unfurled at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario. Messi wiped away tears as the team bus passed crowds on the way from the training centre that bears his name. Benin's captain handed him a gift and a letter before kick-off.
Messi told the crowd it was hard to talk. He said the first thing he thought about was his father, who died recently, and that not coming back would hurt. He said wearing the shirt for more than 20 years had been a huge source of pride.
Singer Soledad Pastorutti performed as part of the tribute. Argentina is not in this brief's country list, so the match is filed as World. No further international fixture for Messi was announced in the Reuters report.
People Sentiments Positive
- Messi said not coming anymore was going to hurt a lot.
- He said playing for Argentina was the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.