Lionel Messi signs off for Argentina with Benin win

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a victory, scoring in his final appearance for the national team as the world champions defeated Benin in a friendly. The farewell added another moment to a spell that included the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

Argentina led through Nicolás Otamendi, who headed in Messi’s corner shortly after half-time. Messi then created the second goal by finding Nico Paz, whose curling finish doubled the advantage. The captain completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, taking his international total to 126 goals.

Messi had threatened earlier with efforts from open play and a free-kick, but Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou denied him several times. The forward also came close to a second goal late on, when his shot was diverted onto the post by Saturnin Allagbé.

Benin produced opportunities before the break, including attempts from Aiyegun Tosin and Junior Olaitan, while Emiliano Martínez saved from Tosin. Argentina’s 3-0 result therefore closed Messi’s international chapter with a clean-sheet win, although the friendly carried no league-table consequence.