Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal and two assists as the world champions beat Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old leaves international football as Argentina’s most-capped player, with 208 senior appearances and a record 126 goals. During a 21-year career with the national team, he won the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
Messi set up both of Argentina’s first two goals on an emotional evening. His corner was not cleared and Nicolas Otamendi, who is also leaving the international stage at the age of 38, struck first.
Nico Paz then doubled the lead from the edge of the area after 61 minutes. Messi completed the scoring from the penalty spot after Tamimou Ouorou was penalised for a clumsy challenge on Agustin Giay, sending the ball into the top corner.
Messi, who announced his international retirement after this summer’s World Cup and the death of his father, said: “I feel so many emotions. The first thing I think about is my old man. I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.”
He added: “I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I swear to you that I’d like to come back for life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.”
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni paid tribute to his captain, saying: “It’s been a dream come true. I never thought I’d be the coach of the best footballer in history.”
Scaloni said the occasion had left him in tears and that Messi “leaves us with an incredible legacy”. He added: “The feeling of having him on your side is incomparable – I’ve never seen that aura in anyone else in my life.”
