Argentina’s friendly against Benin at the Monumental marked Lionel Messi’s farewell to the national team, closing an international career that delivered two Copa América titles and the World Cup.
What the night decided
Messi’s final appearance for Argentina brought an end to a record-breaking spell with the Albiceleste. He leaves with 208 caps and 125 goals, figures that make him the country’s all-time leading scorer.
His trophies transformed the closing years of his international story. After years of near misses, Messi led Argentina to two Copa América successes and the World Cup, returning the side associated with Diego Maradona and Mario Kempes to the summit of world football.
The Monumental hosted the farewell in front of Argentina supporters, with the occasion designed as a celebration of a player who won every major honour available with his country. Neymar, Messi’s friend and former Barcelona team-mate, sent him congratulations as the chapter came to a close.
Benin’s part in the farewell
Benin arrived as the opponents for an unusual and significant fixture, travelling a long distance to take part in Messi’s final Argentina occasion. Despite the difficulties surrounding the trip, the African side were included in the celebrations around one of football’s defining international careers.
Argentina’s plans for the night also included an open-top microbus for the team’s celebrations, underlining that this was intended to be more than an ordinary friendly: it was the final gathering around Messi in the national shirt.
