Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell delivered an emotional night at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, with the captain scoring and providing two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
Billed as “The Night That No One Wants to End”, the occasion gave Argentina supporters plenty to celebrate as Messi brought the curtain down on his international career in front of a packed Monumental.
The 39-year-old leaves the national team after a remarkable career that includes the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
Messi sets up Argentina's second goal
Nico Paz scored just minutes after coming on in the second half to double Argentina's advantage.
Messi produced the assist, making it his second of the night, in what felt like a symbolic passing of the torch between Argentina's greatest player and one of the country's emerging talents.
The goal sent the Monumental into celebration as Argentina moved 2-0 ahead in the 61st minute.
Captain scores from the penalty spot
Argentina were awarded a penalty in the 71st minute, giving Messi the opportunity to add a goal to his farewell performance.
The captain stepped up and calmly sent the Benin goalkeeper the wrong way with a precise spot kick. Messi's goal made it 3-0 and ensured he would score in his final appearance for Argentina.
Earlier in the match, Messi had also created Argentina's opening goal, setting up Nicolas Otamendi before later assisting Paz.
Emotional farewell for Argentina captain
The final minutes became an emotional farewell as Messi prepared to leave the national team stage.
A free kick in the closing seconds offered him one final chance to score. Messi struck the ball over the bar, potentially making it his final kick in an Argentina shirt.
When the final whistle confirmed a 3-0 victory, the Monumental erupted in tribute. The entire stadium chanted Messi's name, while fans watched on in tears.
Argentina's players gave their captain a guard of honour as Messi walked across the pitch with his family. The team applauded him while he took in the significance of the moment.
Monumental pays tribute to Messi
Messi delivered an emotional farewell speech on the pitch, with several Argentina players visibly in tears. Enzo Fernandez appeared particularly devastated as the reality of Messi's final game for the national team sank in.
After the final whistle, a spectacular light show illuminated the Monumental as a tribute to Messi and his Argentina shirt. The captain was visibly emotional as the stadium came together to celebrate his extraordinary journey with the national team.
The night marked the end of an era for Argentina, with Messi departing after helping the country win the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.