Messi scores in final Argentina match as 85,000 watch 3-0 win over Benin

Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina on Tuesday, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, according to France 24 and Al Jazeera. France 24 reported that 85,000 supporters attended, while Al Jazeera reported more than 85,000 fans at what it described as a packed stadium.

According to Al Jazeera, Messi, 39, scored one goal and set up two others. After a goalless first half, he assisted Nicolas Otamendi for Argentina's opener, then set up Nico Paz for the second goal, and converted a penalty for 3-0, his 126th international goal. Al Jazeera reported that Otamendi, who spent 17 years with Messi in the national team including four World Cups, was also ending his international career.

"It's hard to talk," Messi said, according to Al Jazeera. "There are a lot of emotions, a lot of things going through my head. The first thing I think about is my old man," he added, referring to the recent death of his father. "It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years," Messi said. "Not coming any more is going to hurt a lot."

Al Jazeera reported that landmarks across Buenos Aires were lit in the team's sky blue and white colours, that fireworks were set off above the stadium, and that a large number 10 shirt reading "Gracias" was unfurled at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, Messi's hometown. Al Jazeera reported that Messi wiped away tears as the team bus travelled from the training centre bearing his name, and that Benin's captain handed him a gift and a letter during the pre-match handshake. Al Jazeera described the occasion as "less about football and more of a national celebration" of Messi's service to the national team.

Al Jazeera reported that after the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee gathered around Messi for embraces, followed by a drone show, and that Argentinian singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as "La Sole", sang "Brindis" as part of a tribute. Al Jazeera reported that Messi leaves as Argentina's most-capped player with 208 caps and as its record scorer. France 24 described the match as an emotional final international appearance for a career that brought Argentina its long-awaited 2022 World Cup triumph.