English
English
English
Lionel Messi’s Emotional Farewell (Img: X)
New Delhi: Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his extraordinary international career in the most fitting way possible, scoring a goal and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in an emotional farewell at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The 39-year-old Argentina captain was visibly emotional before kick-off as more than 85,000 fans gathered to celebrate his remarkable journey with the national team. The occasion went far beyond the result, with supporters paying tribute to the player who transformed Argentina's fortunes on the international stage.
After a goalless first half, Messi began his final Argentina appearance in trademark fashion. He delivered the corner that Nicolas Otamendi converted to open the scoring in the 48th minute.
Messi then turned provider again in the 61st minute, setting up Nico Paz for Argentina's second goal. Ten minutes later, the night reached its emotional climax when Messi converted a penalty to complete the 3-0 victory.
The penalty was Messi's 126th international goal. He finished his Argentina career as the country's most-capped player and all-time leading scorer, with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
The farewell began even before the match. Messi arrived to a packed stadium amid huge cheers, while a giant No. 10 shirt carrying the message “Gracias” was displayed as supporters celebrated their captain.
The match was also paused in the 10th minute as players and fans paid tribute to Messi's iconic shirt number. After the final whistle, a spectacular drone show lit up the Buenos Aires sky as teammates and opponents gathered around the Argentine legend.
Messi's family watched from the stands during an emotional evening that marked the end of his 21-year international journey. The Argentina captain has previously guided his country to Copa America glory and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, completing a remarkable international legacy.
Messi's Argentina career was filled with dramatic highs and painful lows before ultimately ending in triumph. After years of criticism and near misses, he helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
Now, after more than two decades in the national shirt, Messi has said goodbye to Argentina football with one final goal, two assists and a victory that perfectly reflected his extraordinary career.
