Lionel Messi calls time on illustrious international career

Lionel Messi officially retired from international football Tuesday night, ending an illustrious career with the Argentina national team.

In his last dance, the 39-year-old scored and made two assists as Argentina defeated Benin in a friendly game at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

Before kickoff, a fireworks show ushered the players onto the field, where a giant Argentina shirt bearing Messi’s iconic number 10 and the word ‘gracias’ (thank you) was sprawled across the pitch.

Ten minutes into the game, play was brought to a temporary halt for yet more fireworks, another standing ovation for Messi and handshakes from every Benin player.

Messi set up Nicholas Otamendi from a corner kick delivery before scoring from the spot in the 71st minute and also got the assist for Nico Paz’s goal as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 win.

After the game, Messi addressed the crowd in an emotional farewell where he also paid tribute to his father.

“There are so many emotions going through me right now,” he said. “I’m surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad. I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything,” he said.

Messi made his debut for Argentina in 2005 as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 2-1 friendly win over Hungary.

He has gone on to play 208 games for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and making 67 assists.

Messi has won several accolades with the Argentina national team, including two Copa America titles and the FIFA World Cup in 2022.

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