📰 News ⏱ 2 min

Lionel Messi Ends 21‑Year International Career with a Winning Match

Lionel Messi concluded his 21‑year career with Argentina by scoring a penalty and assisting two other goals in a 3‑0 friendly victory over Benin.

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Key Points

4 points

Messi scored one goal (a penalty) and provided two assists in his final game.

Argentina won 3‑0 against Benin in a friendly match.

The stadium held over 85,000 fans, and the city displayed sky‑blue and white lights.

Messi leaves as the record holder for most international appearances and goals for Argentina.

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The match, played in front of more than 85,000 spectators at the Monumental stadium, featured fireworks and a national tribute.

Messi’s emotional farewell included thanks from fans, teammates, and even a gift from the opposing captain.

He retires as Argentina’s most‑capped player with 208 appearances and the all‑time leading scorer with 126 goals.

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6 words

penalty

a free kick taken from a marked spot after a foul, giving a chance to score

assist

a pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring a goal

friendly match

a game played for practice or enjoyment, not part of a tournament

most‑capped

having played the most games for a national team

record holder

the person who has achieved the highest number in a particular category

sky‑blue

a light shade of blue, like a clear daytime sky

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