Messi's Final Match For Argentina Sees The GOAT Score One Last Time

Lionel Messi turned his official farewell to Argentina into a gala performance, contributing a penalty and two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin in an international friendly on Tuesday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, where the crowd offered a deafening final ovation to the genius who, for over two decades, defined the footballing pulse of a nation.

In front of 85,000 fans, the superstar capped off an international career spanning 21 years, 126 goals, a 2022 World Cup victory, and two Copa América titles.

Following a corner kick taken Messi, defender Nicolas Otamendi connected with a header to open the scoring in the 48th minute.

Messi then provided an assist to young talent Nicolas Paz , who paid tribute to the star with an exquisite left-foot finish in the 61st.

Ten minutes later, Messi buried a left-foot penalty into the top corner, adding to his tally as the Albiceleste’s all-time leading scorer.

"Olé, olé, Messi," the crowd chanted in his honor.

Despite still playing at a high level at age 39, Messi announced on Aug.

31 that the end of his time with Argentina was set.

Messi played his final match — his 208th for Argentina — amid a spectacular fireworks display.

He wore a special edition Albiceleste jersey featuring wider vertical stripes than the standard design, a giant sun, and a golden No.

10 on the back.

The back detail featured a goat’s horns in the print — a nod to the "GOAT," referencing both the animal and his status as the "Greatest of All Time." Ten minutes after kickoff, the referee paused the match to honor the Argentine captain.

Rivals and teammates approached to greet him while fans rose for a standing ovation.

Messi raised his hand in acknowledgment.