New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- Fans at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires paid a special tribute to the retiring Lionel Messi in the 10th minute of Argentina's friendly against Benin on Tuesday. Messi is playing his last-ever match for Argentina, bringing an end to a memorable 21-year international career. The Inter Miami star had announced his retirement from international football on 31 August.

Messi's journey with Argentina began on 17 August, 2005, when he made his senior international debut against Hungary in Budapest.

Then 18, Messi came on as a second-half substitute under coach Jose Pekerman. His debut lasted only 47 seconds before he was sent off, but it marked the beginning of an international career that would eventually make him A...