Lionel Messi concluded a 21‑year international career by scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3‑0 in his farewell match in Buenos Aires.
The match, played in Argentina’s capital, saw the South American side secure a comfortable win over the West African team, with all three goals coming from Argentine players.
Messi’s performance was a fitting send‑off: he netted one of the goals and set up the other two, underscoring the impact he has had on the national team over two decades.
Argentina’s victory adds another chapter to the country’s rich football history, while Benin’s appearance in the match highlights the growing presence of African teams on the global stage.
Messi’s departure marks the end of an era for Argentine football, as the club and national team legends look forward to a new generation of players stepping up.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>