New Delhi, Oct 7: After a glittering 21-year career in the colours of Albiceleste, Lionel Andrés Messi has finally hung up his boots with the finesse and flair he’s been known for worldwide for so many years. The 39-year-old brought down the curtain on his glittering career as Argentina overcame Benin 3-0 in a friendly at the famous Estadio Mas Monumental in Buenos Aires on Wednesday.

The match, which was dubbed the ‘Last Dance’ of Messi, saw him lead out his troops for one last time in the national colours, with members of Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2022-winning squad and their families on hand to mark the occasion. As a tribute to Messi, the game briefly paused as the clock hit the 10-minute mark to highlight the number 10 that has sparkled on the back of Leo all these years.

Coming to the game, Messi provided an assist for his teammate Nicolas Otamendi, who incidentally also played his final game for the national team. He also converted a 71st-minute penalty with a thunderous shot to the top-right corner.

Earlier, Messi had announced his retirement from international football on August 31, a little over two months after Argentina’s FIFA World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain in New Jersey. The Argentine Football Association tempted him to make one last appearance for “the farewell he deserves”, and thousands of fans turned up at the Estadio Monumental to show their appreciation. The AFA said the match would “transcend sports” and be “full of emotion”.

Lionel Messi: A Name Marked With International Trophies

Lionel Messi departs the international stage as the most accomplished player in Argentine football history, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of records and silverware. With 207 appearances, 126 goals and 66 assists, he holds Argentina’s records in each category.

His extraordinary career with the national team includes Olympic gold at Beijing 2008, the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. Messi also shares the record for appearing at six World Cups, a milestone he reached alongside his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. His influence has forever transformed Argentine football.