Messi ends Argentina career with a goal and two assists

Lionel Messi said goodbye to Argentina's national team with a penalty goal and two assists. Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, the captain's last match with the team. The minutes are those logged by ESPN; other sources place them slightly differently, and they will be confirmed against the official match report.

The first half ended goalless. Benin defended in an orderly way and Argentina could not find the way to goal. In the 11th minute play stopped for a tribute with an ovation and fireworks, according to El Financiero.

In the second half, Messi took a corner and Nicolás Otamendi headed in the 1-0 (48'). Nico Paz, who replaced Rodrigo De Paul, made it 2-0 with a left-footed shot from outside the box, again after a Messi pass (61'). The captain made it 3-0 from the penalty spot (71'), with his left foot into the top right corner.

After the match, Messi said, according to Excélsior: "I'm leaving empty." With that goal he closes 21 years with 208 matches and 126 goals, according to El Cronista.

Argentina had 65 % possession and 19 shots to Benin's 7, according to ESPN. Coach Lionel Scaloni now starts the next cycle without his captain.