Argentina Beat Benin 3-0 in Lionel Messi’s Farewell Match

Argentina created several chances in the first half but failed to score. The match changed soon after the break when Nicolás Otamendi scored with a brilliant volley from Messi’s corner in the 48th minute. Two minutes later, coach Lionel Scaloni substituted the experienced defender, who received a standing ovation from his teammates and the crowd.

In the 59th minute, Nico Paz and Nicolás González replaced Rodrigo De Paul and Julián Álvarez. Just one minute later, 22-year-old Paz scored with his first touch. He received a perfect pass from Messi on the left, turned toward the penalty area and found the net with a beautiful curling shot.

Messi then added Argentina’s third goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after Agustín Ziai committed a foul inside the box. The Argentina captain fired the ball into the top corner, leaving the Benin goalkeeper with no chance.

It was Messi’s 126th goal for Argentina. His teammates celebrated around him in the centre circle as Argentina completed a memorable 3-0 victory.