Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental in a match that marked Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team after more than 20 years.
Argentina’s three goals all came in the second half. Nicolás Otamendi opened the scoring from a corner delivered by Messi, Nicolás Paz added a long-range finish, and the captain converted a penalty. The Associated Press also reported that Messi scored from the spot and assisted on the other two goals.
The match was the final one for the 39-year-old forward after 21 years with Argentina, AP reported. The farewell ceremony drew much of the attention: fans and players from both teams applauded Messi, while the pre-match programme included music, a drone show and fireworks.
The first half was more subdued. Messi had several chances, but Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou stopped his efforts. The African side also threatened on counterattacks, requiring Emiliano Martínez to make interventions. Otamendi’s set-piece goal opened the game, and Argentina went on to complete the 3-0 win.
Argentina wore a special kit that Messi had presented earlier. La Nación described gold lettering for the names and numbers and a Sun of May emblem on the back. The fixture closed the international window and marked the end of Messi’s Argentina career.