Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 in an international friendly as Lionel Messi bid farewell to international football in an emotional occasion for the Argentine national team.

Argentina dominated large periods of the match, controlling possession and creating several opportunities while Benin worked to contain the South American side.

The breakthrough came in the 48th minute, when Nicolás Otamendi found the back of the net after being assisted by Messi.

Argentina continued to press after taking the lead and added two more goals to complete a convincing 3–0 victory.

Messi's farewell

While the result gave Argentina another victory, much of the attention surrounding the match centred on Messi.

The Argentine captain's appearance marked his farewell from international football, bringing an end to a long career with the national team in which he became one of the country's most influential players.

Messi bids farewell to Argentina and international football | Photo: AFA- Selección Argentina

Messi has represented Argentina across several generations of the national team and played a central role in the country's major international successes.

His international career reached its highest point at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, when Argentina defeated France in the final to claim the country's third World Cup title.

He also helped Argentina win the 2021 Copa América, ending the country's long wait for a major senior men's international trophy.

Argentina maintain control

Against Benin, Argentina's experience and quality were evident as they controlled the tempo and created the majority of the attacking opportunities.

Otamendi's opening goal gave Argentina the advantage before the team added two further goals to put the result beyond doubt.

The performance also provided Argentina with an opportunity to give players valuable minutes and continue preparations for future international commitments.

Valuable experience for Benin

For Benin, the match offered an opportunity to compete against one of the world's leading national teams.

Although the result went against them, facing Argentina provided the West African side with valuable experience and an opportunity to identify areas that require improvement.

Such international friendlies also allow national-team coaches to assess players, experiment with tactical approaches and prepare squads for upcoming competitive matches.

A significant night for Argentina

The final score between Argentina and Benin | Photo: AFA- Selección Argentina

The 3–0 victory gave Argentina a positive result, but the occasion was about more than the scoreline.

With Messi bidding farewell to international football, the match marked the closing of an important chapter in Argentina's football history.

For supporters, it was an opportunity to celebrate a player whose career with the national team has been defined by major tournaments, memorable performances and, ultimately, international silverware.

Argentina leave the encounter with a victory, while Messi's farewell provides the lasting story from a night that marked the end of his international journey.