Lionel Messi closed his 21-year international career with Argentina in an emotional farewell match Tuesday night, scoring one goal and assisting two others in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old delivered a performance that capped his record as the country's all-time leading scorer with 126 goals in 208 appearances. Argentina's victory came in a game billed as "The Last Tango," drawing more than 85,000 fans who chanted Messi's name throughout the evening.

Messi assisted Nicolás Otamendi's opener in the 48th minute and set up Nico Paz for the second goal before converting a penalty in the 71st minute. The match paused in the 10th minute for a standing ovation honoring his famous No. 10 jersey.

Tears flowed before kickoff as the team bus arrived and continued through the national anthem. At full time, teammates, opponents, and the referee embraced Messi while a drone show lit the sky with his image and thanks for his career.

Messi addressed the crowd afterward, saying the jersey brought him great pride and that not returning would be deeply painful. He expressed gratitude to fans and teammates while noting he gave everything possible during his time with the national team.

Messi had announced his retirement from international duty on August 31 after Argentina's loss to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. The decision followed the death of his father earlier that month. He will continue playing club soccer with Inter Miami through at least 2028.

The farewell highlighted Messi's transformation of Argentina's national team fortunes, including the 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América wins. Fans and players alike celebrated the unity and pride his career inspired across the country.