Lionel Messi ended his 21‑year international career in a friendly match against Benin. Argentina won 3‑0. Messi scored a penalty and helped two other goals, making the win easy for his team.

It was Messi’s 208th appearance for Argentina, a new record for the country. He also scored his 126th goal for Argentina, another record. Both milestones happened at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

More than 85,000 fans filled the stadium. After the match, Messi told the crowd, "I love all of you, and I will miss all of you. I am proud to be Argentine." The stadium lit up with fireworks and the crowd sang the national anthem.

The match matters because Messi left as Argentina’s most‑capped player and top scorer. His records show how important he has been for the national team, and the huge crowd shows how many people felt his farewell.