Lionel Messi has officially said goodbye to international football after 21 years with Argentina.
At 39, Messi scored a penalty and assisted two goals as Argentina defeated Benin 3â0 in his final national-team appearance.
His international legacy:
đ 1 World Cup
đ 2 Copa AmĂ©rica titles
✠126 goals
đŠđ· 208 appearances
đ An era that may never be repeated
More than 85,000 fans packed Buenos Aires for his farewell, with tickets originally priced around $60â$300 reportedly reselling for more than $2,500.
After the final whistle, the stadium erupted with chants of âMessi, Messiâ as the Eternal Captain took his final lap.
He came to Argentina as a teenager who was constantly compared with Maradona.
He leaves as a World Cup champion and one of the most beloved athletes in the countryâs history.
Messiâs international career is over.
The era is officially finished. đđ