In Argentina’s final friendly against Benin, Lionel Messi signed off from international football with the same blend of influence and restraint that marked his long career. The former Barcelona captain scored once and created two more goals in a 3-0 win, bringing an end to his Argentina involvement on a decisive night.
Beyond the scoreline, former referee Eduardo Iturralde González highlighted another part of Messi’s legacy: his conduct towards officials during a career in which he was repeatedly targeted by opponents.
Quick facts
- Messi scored one goal and supplied two assists against Benin.
- Argentina won the friendly 3-0.
- The match marked Messi’s farewell to the Argentina national team.
- Former referee Eduardo Iturralde González praised Messi’s fairness and honesty on the pitch.
Iturralde said he would have gladly taken even a fourth-official role for Messi’s farewell match. For him, the Argentine’s standing with referees was distinct from his extraordinary ability as a footballer.
“He could have turned 100,000 people against us in every match by going down or pretending, but he never did,” Iturralde said. “He has been one of the most noble players on a football pitch.”
The former official noted that few players have endured as many fouls as Messi across club and international football. Yet, he said, the forward did not seek to deceive referees despite the physical treatment he received.
“They kicked him so many times, but he never looked to throw himself down,” Iturralde said. He urged younger players in particular to take notice, adding that Messi never chased an advantage through simulation.
In the intensity of an Argentina fixture, Iturralde argued, such behaviour could have changed the entire atmosphere of a match. Instead, Messi leaves the international stage after a 3-0 farewell win, one final goal and two final assists.
