Lionel Messi makes his final appearance for Argentina in Buenos Aires, playing against Benin at the Monumental Stadium. The 39-year-old ends his international career spanning more than two decades with a match that is both a sporting send-off and a widely covered public ceremony. Argentina wins 3-0, with Messi contributing directly.

Sources report that Messi scores a penalty in the 71st minute and also provides the assist for Argentina’s opening goal, attributed to defender Nicolás Otamendi. The match is described as a carefully staged farewell, with tributes including chants and moments of pause for ovations to commemorate Messi’s No.10. Coverage also notes emotive elements such as his family’s presence, including his children, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, as well as nationwide messages of thanks.

Several outlets place the game in broader context, noting that Messi’s retirement announcement comes earlier this month and that his departure follows other recent football and personal moments, including Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey and his father’s death earlier in the year. Different outlets emphasize different ceremonial details and angles—ranging from how to watch the match to the emotional atmosphere—but they converge on the same outcome and farewell character.