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Messi calls time on 'the most wonderful thing'

Lionel Messi scored and set up two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin in his final match for Argentina, ending a 21-year international career with 208 caps and 126 goals.

Lionel Messi described playing for Argentina as "the most wonderful thing that can happen to you" after ending his international career with a goal in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires.

The Long Sip
What happened

Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina, scoring a penalty and assisting two goals in a 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires.

The detail

Messi ends his international career with 208 caps and 126 goals, both Argentine records, across a 21-year spell that included the 2022 World Cup and two Copa Americas.

And then

An emotional Messi dedicated the night to his late father, saying wearing the Argentina jersey was the most wonderful thing that can happen to you.

Full story at RTE.ie

What readers are saying

IndianAusPriya
It is interesting to see that Messi managed to secure a goal from the penalty spot even in his final match. The fact he assisted the other two goals for Otamendi and Paz shows his playmaking vision was sharp right until the 208th cap. ⚽
Vernao
It is worth remembering that Messi only announced this final international retirement following the recent World Cup and the passing of his father... readers should look for the footage of the penalty he scored against Benin as it was a classic strike into the top corner.
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