Lionel Messi made his final Argentina appearance count with two decisive moments against Benin, setting up Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz in a friendly victory.
Argentina had struggled to break the game open before Messi delivered shortly after the interval. The captain swung in a precise corner for Otamendi, who met it on the run and struck a right-foot volley to give the world champions the lead.
Quick facts
- Messi played his final match for Argentina against Benin.
- His corner created Nicolas Otamendi’s opening goal early in the second half.
- Otamendi, also playing his last international, left the pitch to applause.
- Messi then assisted Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal.
- The two assists took Messi to 66 or 67 for Argentina, depending on disputed CONMEBOL records.
Otamendi’s departure carried its own weight. The defender was also making his last appearance for the national side, and the crowd rose to salute him as he left the field.
Messi was not finished. He supplied Nico Paz for Argentina’s second, with the young midfielder producing a fine curling finish to put clear distance between the teams.
The pair of assists added another line to Messi’s extraordinary international record. CONMEBOL’s tally is not universally agreed, but places him on either 66 or 67 assists in Argentina colours.
