The Argentina captain signed off after 21 years in the national team, scoring from the penalty spot and creating two goals as the world champions defeated Benin in Buenos Aires.

Lionel Messi brought his remarkable Argentina international career to an emotional close on Tuesday night, scoring one goal and providing two assists as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The October 6 farewell fixture marked Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, bringing the curtain down on a 21-year international career that saw him become the country’s most decorated and influential footballer.

The 39-year-old captain played a central role in the victory, contributing directly to all three of Argentina’s goals.

Messi’s first decisive contribution came in the 48th minute when he delivered a corner that Nicolás Otamendi headed home to give Argentina the lead.

The Inter Miami forward was involved again 13 minutes later, setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal in the 61st minute.

Messi then put the finishing touch on the farewell performance in the 71st minute, calmly converting a penalty to complete the 3-0 victory.

Inter Miami, in a report published on October 6, noted that Messi was “directly involved in each of Argentina’s goals” in his final international appearance.

The match also had a familiar connection to Nigerian football, with former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr in charge of Benin for the occasion.

For Messi, however, the night belonged to the end of an era.

After more than two decades of representing Argentina, the legendary forward walked off the international stage having once again left his mark on the scoreboard and played a decisive role in another Argentina victory.

His international journey began in 2005 and ultimately included the Copa América title, the 2022 FIFA World Cup and numerous individual records, cementing his place at the heart of Argentina’s modern football history.

In his final appearance, Messi delivered one last reminder of the qualities that defined his career: creativity, composure and an ability to influence a match at the biggest moments.