Messi Ends 21-Year Argentina Career With 126th Goal in 3-0 Benin Win
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Oct 7
Messi Ends 21-Year Argentina Career With 126th Goal in 3-0 Benin Win
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Oct 7
Summary
Lionel Messi closed his Argentina career in Buenos Aires by scoring once and setting up another in a 3-0 farewell victory over Benin before 85,000 fans at Monumental Stadium.
The 39-year-old signed off in his 208th international appearance, extending his national-record tally to 126 goals after saying he had given everything and wanted younger players to have their chance.
Argentina turned the match into a tribute event: play stopped in the 10th minute for an ovation, a giant "Gracias" shirt covered the pitch, and a postgame drone show thanked the No. 10.
The farewell came two and a half months after Argentina's 1-0 World Cup final loss to Spain, ending an international run that brought Messi one World Cup and two Copa America titles.