Lionel Messi retired from the Argentina national team on Tuesday, concluding his international career with a 3-0 victory against Benin. During the match, Messi scored his 126th international goal in the 71st minute from the penalty spot.
The match, which took place at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium, saw Messi play in his 208th international match. The proceedings included a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute, and a drone show lit up the night sky following the final whistle.
Messi stated, "Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment. The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through." He added that "It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years."
Neymar paid tribute to Messi on X, stating, "It's not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more." The University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate, to which he responded, "To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!"
Cecilia Adriano commented that "I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn't bother me at all that he's leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest."
