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Messi Bids Tearful Farewell After Argentina's 3-0 Victory
Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina, according to the article.
Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly match in Buenos Aires.
Messi helped set up two goals and scored the third with a penalty kick.
After the game, he said playing for Argentina had been the most beautiful experience of his career.
He also said that leaving the team would hurt a lot.
Fans cheered, and Messi hugged his teammates after the final whistle.
He leaves as Argentina's most-capped player and its record scorer.
The article says he helped Argentina win the World Cup and Copa America.
Lionel Messi played what the article describes as his final match for Argentina, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires.
Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi's 48th-minute opener and set up Nico Paz's goal before scoring a penalty.
He called representing Argentina the most beautiful experience of his career and said leaving the team would hurt a lot.
Messi retires as Argentina's most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record scorer.
The article credits Messi with helping Argentina win the World Cup and Copa America.
- Who
- Lionel Messi and Argentina's national football team; Argentina played Benin.
- What
- Messi's reported final international match ended in a 3-0 Argentina victory, with Messi scoring and assisting twice.
- Where
- Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires.
- When
- Tuesday; no calendar date is given.
- Why
- The match was described as Messi's farewell to international football with Argentina.
Key facts
- Match
- Argentina 3-0 Benin, friendly
- Venue
- Estadio Monumental, Buenos Aires
- Messi's contribution
- Two assists and one penalty goal
- First goal
- Nicolas Otamendi scored in the 48th minute, assisted by Messi
- Second goal
- Nico Paz scored after Messi set him up
- Argentina appearances
- 208, according to the article
- Career honors cited
- World Cup and Copa America triumphs with Argentina
Quotes
Lionel Messi
Argentine footballer speaking after his final international match
“I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here. Not coming here anymore and no longer being with the Argentina national team is going to hurt a lot.”
rediff.com
“If it were up to me, I would love to be here for my entire life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is. I think I'm talking more than ever today because I simply don't want this moment to end.”
rediff.com
Sources
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