Lionel Messi scores in emotional farewell game for Argentina

The 39-year-old World Cup winner and record eight-time Ballon d'Or recipient gave a fitting farewell to the national team by scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists in a 3-0 win over Benin.

Messi announced his international retirement at the end of August, having raised "serious doubts" over his footballing future following the death of his father.

The Inter Miami star ends his 21-year career with the national team as the country's most capped player of all time and its record goal scorer, having found the net 126 times in 208 appearances.

Widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, Messi scored in the 71st minute - having earlier set up goals for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz.

Kick-off was delayed by about 30 minutes at the Estadio Monumental, while both Messi and Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni appeared visibly emotional during the national anthems.

The match was then paused for a standing ovation in the 10th minute, in honour of Messi's shirt number, complete with fireworks and chanting from the crowd.

'I never stopped fighting'

"It was a source of great pride to wear this jersey for over 20 years," Messi told the crowd, speaking into a microphone from the centre of the pitch.

"I never stopped fighting, never stopped giving my all. I would love to keep coming back forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.

"I am proud to be Argentine and to have been able to fulfil this dream with all of you."

He had earlier shared a message with fans, saying: "The moment has arrived. I leave in peace. I gave it my all. This jersey was my dream. My pride. And my life.

"Thank you for loving me so much. I will always carry you with me."

'Eternally grateful'

Scaloni said of his captain: "It's been a dream come true. I never thought I'd be the coach of the best footballer in history.

"We are eternally grateful to him for giving us the opportunity to be with him.

"The tears are because so many things are going through my head. Not seeing him anymore will be sad; he leaves us with an incredible legacy.

"The feeling of having him (Messi) on your side is incomparable - I've never seen that aura in anyone else in my life."

Argentina President Javier Milei was among those to pay tribute to Messi, writing on social media: "Thank you so much Lionel Messi. The best of all time by far."

Messi made his senior international debut as an 18-year-old in 2005, but it lasted less than a minute when he was sent off moments after coming on as a substitute.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward went on to lead his country to World Cup glory in 2022, as well as two Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.

Assuming the captaincy in 2011, Messi also helped steer Argentina to two other World Cup finals in 2014 and 2026, where they lost to Germany and Spain, respectively.

He was also part of the Argentina team that won gold at the 2008 summer Olympic Games in Beijing.

Messi previously called time on his international career in 2016, but reversed that decision a few weeks later.