Messi ends Argentina career with goal, 2 assists in tear-filled farewell
BEUNOS AIRES: Global soccer superstar Lionel Messi met the moment, contributing to all three goals in his final appearance for Argentina’s national team, a 3-0 exhibition victory over Benin on Tuesday in Buenos Aires.
Buenos Aires: Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi concluded his international career, scoring all three goals in his final match for the national team against Benin in a 3-0 exhibition victory at Estadio Monumental. The packed stadium chanted his name throughout the 208th match he played for Argentina. Messi assisted on Nicolas Otamendi's goal in the 48th minute, passed to Nico Paz for the second goal, and netted his 126th career goal for Argentina via a penalty kick in the 70th minute.
Despite his desire to continue playing for Argentina, Messi announced in August that he was retiring from international football due to the loss of his father. Messi, who has played in six World Cups, including the 2022 final loss to Spain, thanked fans, teammates, and his late father before acknowledging the bittersweet nature of his farewell.
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