Lionel Messi plays final match for Argentina against Benin
Argentina hosted a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, marking Lionel Messi's last appearance for the national team, with a ceremonial ovation and emotional moments on the pitch.
Argentina faced Benin in a friendly at the Estadio Monumental, providing Lionel Messi with his final appearance for the national side. The match began after a brief delay, and a minute-long ovation was held at the 10-minute mark as fans sang Messi's name. Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni was seen wiping away tears during the national anthem.
Messi started alongside a lineup that included goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Agustín Giay, Cristian Romero, Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Tagliafico, midfielders Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, and forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. Early in the game Messi rounded a defender and struck a left-footed shot from about 25 yards, which was saved by the Benin goalkeeper.
The stadium was filled to capacity, and the atmosphere was described as electric. Messi has a strong record at the venue, having won 22 of the 28 matches he has played there for Argentina and scoring 19 goals.
Ticket pricing for the match drew criticism from some fans, with a commentator noting that the cost may have excluded certain supporters. The game was broadcast in the United States on the Vix streaming service.
"Messi has given Argentina memories that will last a lifetime," said a commentator.
The friendly served as a farewell for the player widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest, concluding a career that includes two Copa América titles and a World Cup victory.