The historic international career of Barcelona and football legend Lionel Messi officially came to an end on Tuesday night in Buenos Aires as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0, with the GOAT offering one last show in his farewell match and saying goodbye in style.
It was a night of emotions and beautiful tributes, including in the 10th minute when the match was stopped so the entire stadium could give Messi a standing ovation.
The actual match wasn’t anywhere close to the cakewalk many expected as Benin
gave a good account of themselves, defending well and generating real threat on the counter as Dibu Martínez needed to make some good saves in the first half.
Argentina played at their usual slow pace and didn’t get out of first gear, but still created a couple of really good chances that Messi narrowly missed late in the first half. The game was goalless at the break, but all the fun was saved for the final period.
Messi’s first goal contribution of the night was an assist from a corner that was scored by Nicolás Otamendi with an amazing volley, and his second assist came shortly after as he set up a beautiful Nico Paz strike from outside the box.
But the moment the entire world was waiting for came with 20 minutes to go as Argentina earned a penalty, and Messi scored a beauty from the spot to find the net for the final time with the Albiceleste shirt.
The final whistle came to end a beautiful night in Buenos Aires, and one of the greatest international careers in history comes to a glorious end with one final show from the greatest to ever play the great sport on Earth.
Thank you, Leo.
I can’t wait for your Camp Nou farewell.
