In the long arc from Beijing to Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi’s international story reached its final stop against Benin. Argentina’s 3-0 victory carried the shape of a familiar farewell: Messi scored once and created two more, signing off for the Albiceleste with another decisive display.
The match was described as the final Argentina appearance for the player whose years with the national side brought a succession of landmark moments and worldwide recognition. Once the final whistle sounded, tributes arrived from supporters, institutions, clubs and former teammates across the game.
Barcelona, the city and club most closely tied to Messi’s rise, joined those messages after the game had ended. The Catalan side marked the occasion with an image of a much younger Messi wearing his Beijing 2008 Olympic gold medal.
Barcelona recalls the Olympic beginning
In its message, Barcelona looked back to the Olympic triumph in China as the starting point of an unforgettable international journey. The club congratulated Messi for continuing to give distinction to Argentina’s shirt.
It was a fitting choice of memory from the club where Messi developed, made his senior debut, became a defining figure and collected the overwhelming majority of his team trophies and individual honours. His last night with Argentina, against Benin, therefore connected the Olympic gold of 2008 with a final contribution of one goal and two assists.
