Lionel Messi’s emotional farewell ends with one goal, two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0

Lionel Messi (Photo Reuters) NEW DELHI: Lionel Messi’s final appearance for Argentina ended in victory, emotion and one last night to remember at the Monumental as the South American side beat Benin 3-0 on Wednesday.This occasion was as much about Messi as the result. The stadium was packed long before kick-off and the Argentine captain received an extraordinary farewell.Fabio Santana, a Malvinas war veteran and singer, performed the Argentine national anthem as Messi stood next to his children, visibly emotional. A giant Messi jersey covered the pitch before the crowd erupted into a rendition of “Muchachos”.After 10 minutes, the match was stopped for another tribute, with every Benin player taking the opportunity to shake Messi’s hand.Argentina dominated possession early on and repeatedly struggled to find their captain in dangerous positions. Messi came close to a free kick from the penalty area, but the Benin keeper pulled off a superb save.Lautaro Martínez also threatened after entering the area, Messi’s next pass almost released him into the area. However, Benin refused to sit back completely and gradually grew into a contest.They eventually switched to a back five, with Messi receiving a lot of attention whenever he approached the penalty area.It happened: Argentina vs Benin Highlights

Messi’s assist prompts the opener

The breakthrough finally came shortly after halftime. Julián Álvarez won the corner after a break from the left and Messi played the pass perfectly.Left completely unmarked, Nicolás Otamendi volleyed home to give Argentina the lead. It was a fitting goal for the experienced defender, who also made his last appearance for the national team.Argentina doubled their lead through Nico Paz. The youngster, who had just come on as a substitute, collected the ball and produced a beautiful left-foot curling effort, matching Messi’s signature style.

Messi on the score sheet

Messi was involved again and provided an assist as Paz announced himself on the biggest stage.Then came the moment everyone inside the Monumental was waiting for. Messi rose from the penalty spot and calmly sent the keeper the wrong way to place the ball into the top right corner to make it 3-0.There was still time for one last flash of magic. Messi struggled to slow down before the next strike hit the post and in the dying seconds he won a free-kick at his familiar distance. He took charge for the last time but the effort went over the bar.The whistle confirmed Argentina’s 3-0 victory. For Messi, however, the score was almost secondary. The night belonged to the boy from Rosario who became Argentina’s greatest footballer and who finally said goodbye to the shirt he made.