Argentina won in Buenos Aires as Messi scored a penalty and set up two goals in his final national-team appearance.
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina at a packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where the hosts beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly.
Messi scored from the penalty spot in the 71st minute and assisted goals by Nicolás Otamendi in the 48th and Nico Paz in the 61st. Fans staged a large farewell, unfurling a giant Argentina shirt bearing his No. 10 and the word “Gracias.”
The match concluded Messi’s more than 21-year international career, which began in August 2005. He was sent off less than a minute after coming on as a substitute in his debut against Hungary.
Messi won his first major title with Argentina at the 2021 Copa América. The team won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América. SRF reported that Messi holds Argentina’s records for appearances (208) and goals (126). He continues to play for Inter Miami at club level.