Lionel Messi played his 208th and final match for Argentina in a 3-0 friendly win over Benin at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental, scoring in an emotional farewell. The appearance left Messi with 208 caps and 125 goals for Argentina, making him the nation’s record appearance maker and goalscorer in the Guardian's account of his career. The farewell followed his decision to retire from international football after the World Cup final and came amid celebrations of the trophies he later won with Argentina. Match proceedings included a stadium tribute early in the game as teammates and fans honored Messi’s final outing. The Guardian notes Messi had retired previously in 2016 before returning and that Lionel Scaloni, for whom Messi made 79 appearances, presided over the team that delivered Argentina’s recent successes.
