A Farewell Fit for Kings.. Messi Puts an End to His International Career

Buenos Aires - Afaq News - It was an evening written especially for Lionel Messi. After 21 years spent with the Argentine national team, 208 matches, 126 goals, two Copa America titles, and one World Cup, the Argentine legend bid farewell to the "Albiceleste" team last night (Tuesday - Wednesday) with a crushing 3-0 victory over Benin at the "Monumental" stadium, and of course, he did not leave without scoring one last goal.

Messi, who is 39 years old, concluded the evening with a stunning penalty shot in the 71st minute, sending it into the top of the net, as the fans who filled the stadium erupted in chants of "Messi, Messi."

He had already scored the first two goals: Nicolás Otamendi with a header from a corner in the 48th minute, and then Nico Paz received the ball from him and converted it into the net, making it 3-0.

Messi said after the final whistle: "I wish I could come back here forever, because playing for the Argentine national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to any player. Now I face the saddest day of my career - the day of saying goodbye to the national team. I will miss you, I will miss defending the colors of my country, but I will be with you now, cheering for these players and everyone who will come after them."

The massive stadium, where Messi scored 19 of his international goals - more than any other stadium - was filled with moments from his football career. After the match, there was a drone show above the stadium, featuring the famous image of him lifting the World Cup in 2022 in Qatar.