Messi Bids Farewell To International Football With Goal, Two Assists In Argentina’s 3-0 Win Over Benin

Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina thrashed Benin Republic 3-0 in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni started with a strong attack, with Messi on the right flank, Lautaro Martinez down the middle and Julian Alvarez on the left.

Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Cristian Romero and Emi Martinez were among the mainstays also starting, as reported by Yahoo Sports.

After a goalless first half in which Argentina dominated possession early but conceded some counter-attacking chances to Benin, Messi assisted early in the second half to open the floodgates.

The opener came in the 48th minute when Messi put in a corner from the left flank. It was converted in by a fitting source, as veteran center-back Nicolas Otamendi stabbed it home with force for an emotional moment.

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Rising youngster Nico Paz, who could take on the post-Messi mantle, came on in the 59th minute and made an immediate impact. Just two minutes later, Messi slipped in Paz, who curled it in from the outside of the box with his left foot.

Then came Messi’s moment to score. In the 68th minute, Argentina received a penalty after right-back Agustin Giay took a late tackle in the box.

Messi stepped up in the 71st minute and drilled it home with conviction to secure his moment.

The former Barcelona captain’s international career included a FIFA World Cup win, two Copa Americas and an Olympic gold medal. He’s leaving behind a legacy with the country that will be difficult to replicate for some time.

Meanwhile, Messi’s professional career will still continue with MLS side Inter Miami.

James Agberebi is a sports content creator and analyst with a passion for football and other sports. He writes sports news, match reports, and analysis to keep fans informed about the latest developments in the sporting world. James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men’s and women’s national teams. His experience covering Nigerian football gives him a good understanding of the game and the teams he writes about. Through his work with Complete Sports, James shares sports updates, match coverage, and analysis with readers in Nigeria and around the world.