Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class
Reuters • • sports
Key Points:
- Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career with Argentina by scoring one goal and assisting two others in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Monumental stadium.
- The match served as a national celebration of Messi's contributions, with over 85,000 fans in attendance and landmarks across Buenos Aires lit in Argentina's colors.
- Messi expressed deep emotions during the event, dedicating his career to his late father and emphasizing his pride in representing Argentina.
- Teammate Nicolas Otamendi, also retiring from international play, scored the opening goal assisted by Messi, while rising star Nico Paz netted the second goal from Messi's setup.
- Messi ends his international career as Argentina's most-capped player with 208 appearances and record scorer with 126 goals, having led the team to World Cup and Copa America victories.
