New Delhi, Oct. 7 -- Lionel Messi's international career ended on a high as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires in the stadium Estadio Mas Monumental on 6 October (local time).

The friendly was turned into an emotional farewell for the 39-year-old, who had earlier announced his retirement from international football after Argentina's World Cup 2026 campaign.

In his final international game, Messi scored Argentina's third goal from the penalty spot and also provided two assists, helping Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz find the net. The eventual result gave the Argentina captain a fitting final appearance in front of his home crowd.

Messi leaves Argentina as its most-capped player and all-time leading scorer. After the Benin game,...