Lionel Messi retires from Argentina international football after friendly win

Lionel Messi played his final international game for Argentina on Tuesday night, scoring a penalty in a 3-0 friendly victory against Benin in Buenos Aires. DW reported that the 39 year old forward scored his 126th goal for his country in the 71st minute at the El Monumental stadium. DW and The Guardian both reported that the match was his 208th appearance for the national team. [1][3][6][7]

Messi shared a farewell message with supporters before the match, as Yahoo Sports reported. TV network talkSPORT noted that Messi became emotional on the team bus prior to the fixture, which DW described as an emotional farewell in front of a packed stadium. [1][3][11]

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined FC Barcelona at age 13 after the Spanish club agreed to pay for his growth hormone therapy. He spent 17 seasons in Barcelona's senior team, winning 10 La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League trophies before playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. [12]

The international retirement ends a long career with Argentina that featured a World Cup victory. France 24 and DW both reported that the match marks the end of an era for Argentine and international football. [1][7][10]