Lionel Messi concludes international career with farewell goal
Lionel Messi scored on his final appearance for Argentina, securing a 3-0 victory over Benin as the football icon bowed out of international football, reports BritPanorama.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who announced his retirement following Argentina’s defeat in the World Cup final, was celebrated in a friendly match that brought together teammates from the triumphant 2022 World Cup squad.
Widely regarded as the greatest footballer of all time, the 39-year-old concluded his international career with 208 senior caps— the highest in the team’s history— and a record 126 goals. He is also noted as the only player to have started in three World Cup finals.
Messi was initially overshadowed by fellow departing player, 38-year-old centre-back Nicolas Otamendi, who opened the scoring shortly after half-time, followed by Nico Paz doubling the lead. However, Messi sealed his legacy by converting a penalty kick into the roof of the net with 20 minutes left, marking his 126th and final international goal.
Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou proved formidable early on, denying Messi’s attempts. The visitors nearly shocked Argentina when Aiyegun Tosin volleyed wide of a yawning net. Messi’s near misses came before the half, but he found the net when a clumsy challenge on Agustin Giay resulted in the decisive penalty.
Argentina’s Emi Martinez kept a clean sheet with several vital saves, preventing Junior Olaitan from disturbing the scoreline before Otamendi’s breakthrough. Messi’s final touch on international soil was punctuated by an emotional farewell to the crowd, marking the end of an era.
His international debut occurred in 2005, and he retires as Argentina’s most prolific scorer and most-capped player. His retirement announcement came shortly after the passing of his father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 at the age of 68. In a heartfelt statement, Messi expressed, “I love, loved, and will always love being on the National Team. I’ve given everything I have; I have nothing more to give.”
With his unprecedented achievements, Messi’s legacy extends beyond just statistics—his impact on Argentina’s football narrative is profound. Now, as the spotlight shifts to emerging talents, it raises questions of how the next generation will carry forward the torch lit by one of the game’s greats. In football, as in life, the transition from one era to another is always a delicate dance of hope and expectation.
