Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday with a goal in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old scored from the penalty spot in the 71st minute, his 126th goal for Argentina, in his record 208th international. He also set up the opening goal for Nicolas Otamendi. Nico Paz scored the other.
A crowd of 85,000 watched. The match was halted in the 10th minute, a nod to his No. 10 shirt, for a minute-long ovation, and a drone show honoured him after the final whistle.
Messi took the field with his three children. Earlier, the University of Buenos Aires gave him an honorary doctorate.
Argentina lost the World Cup final 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey about two and a half months ago. Messi wrote then: “I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give.”
He remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028.
