Lionel Messi farewell match: Messi’s Argentina journey ends with a goal, two assists and fans in tears

Lionel Messi receives a guard of honour from his Argentina teammates as he walks across the pitch with his family. The players applaud their captain while Messi takes in the emotional farewell at the Monumental.

Lionel Messi is now making his way around the Monumental, waving to the fans and thanking them for their support. The Argentina captain is soaking in every moment as he says goodbye to the home crowd.

Lionel Messi is delivering his farewell speech at the Monumental, and the emotions are overwhelming. Several Argentina players are in tears, with Enzo Fernandez looking particularly devastated as the reality of Messi’s final game with the national team sinks in.

The entire Monumental is now chanting Lionel Messi’s name. The fans have come together to celebrate their captain and the man who delivered some of the greatest moments in Argentina’s history.

A spectacular light show takes over the Monumental after the final whistle as a tribute to Lionel Messi and his Argentina jersey. The GOAT looks visibly emotional as the stadium comes together to celebrate his incredible journey with the national team.

A free kick for Lionel Messi in the final seconds of the game. He sends it over the bar, and that could be his final kick in an Argentina shirt. It is over for Lionel Messi with Argentina. Emotions are taking over the Monumental, with fans in tears and Messi’s family visibly emotional in the stands. What a way to say goodbye to the national team. ARG 3-0 BEN FULL TIME!

Argentina continue to control the game and dictate the tempo, while Benin are still searching for a way past Emiliano Martinez. The visitors have shown plenty of intent, but Argentina’s defence and the goalkeeper remain firm. ARG 3-0 BEN 85′

Penalty for Argentina and Lionel Messi steps up to take it. The GOAT makes no mistake, sending the Benin goalkeeper the wrong way with a lethal spot kick. Messi has scored in his farewell match for Argentina, creating another unforgettable moment on this historic night. ARG 3-0 BEN 71′

Nico Paz scores just minutes after coming on! Absolutely stunning from Paz, and it feels like a passing of the torch moment as Lionel Messi’s pass sets up the goal. Messi gets his second assist of the night as Argentina double their lead. ARG 2-0 BEN 61′

Nicolas Otamendi is heading to the bench after scoring Argentina’s opener, and it is an emotional moment for the veteran defender. Just like Messi, this is also Otamendi’s final match for Argentina, making his goal even more special on this farewell night. ARG 1-0 BEN 52

Lionel Messi delivers a perfect corner and Nicolas Otamendi rises highest to power a bullet header past the Benin goalkeeper. Argentina finally break the deadlock just minutes into the second half, and Otamendi celebrates by lifting Messi into the air. ARG 1-0 BEN 48′

The second half is underway at the Monumental, with Lionel Messi back on the field for what could be his final 45 minutes in an Argentina shirt. The score remains 0-0, and Messi and Argentina will be looking to find the breakthrough.

Half time at the Monumental and it remains 0-0 between Argentina and Benin. Both teams have created chances in an entertaining first half, with Messi also going close as Argentina continue to search for the breakthrough on his farewell night.

The search for the opening goal continues for Lionel Messi and Argentina. Messi has looked eager to make his mark on his farewell night and has had a few opportunities, but Benin have managed to keep the three time world champions at bay so far.

Lionel Messi continues to look lively and is taking his chances whenever they come his way, but he has been unable to find the breakthrough so far. Argentina remain in search of the opening goal as the deadlock continues. ARG 0-0 BEN 27′

Benin are not simply sitting back either, as they continue to test the Argentine defence and create some promising chances. They will be hoping to stun the three time world champions if they can make the most of these openings. ARG 0-0 BEN 19′

The entire stadium rises to its feet in the 10th minute as the match is paused for a special tribute to Lionel Messi. Fireworks light up the sky at the Monumental as the crowd celebrates the Argentina captain, while every Benin player comes over to shake hands with Messi in a special show of respect. ARG 0-0 BEN 10′

Lionel Messi takes a shot from outside the box, but the Benin goalkeeper makes the save. Messi and Argentina continue to search for the opening goal. ARG 0-0 BEN9′

Lionel Messi takes the short corner to Julian Alvarez as the duo try to create something down the left flank, but the move comes to nothing. As expected, Argentina dominate possession in the early minutes, with all eyes on Messi on this emotional night. ARG 0-0 BEN 4′

Kick-off at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, and it is an emotional one for football fans around the world as Lionel Messi plays his final match for Argentina.

An emotional moment at the Monumental as Lionel Messi fights back tears during the national anthem ahead of his final game for Argentina. The weight of the occasion is clear on the captain’s face as he prepares to lead his country one last time.

Lionel Messi walks out for the national anthem with his three sons by his side, making this emotional Argentina farewell even more special. The Monumental is ready for a memorable night as the GOAT prepares for his final game in the Argentina shirt.

Lionel Messi has completed his warm-up and is now just minutes away from walking out for his final game in an Argentina shirt. There is already a special tribute waiting for him on the pitch, with a giant Argentina jersey laid out in the middle featuring ‘Gracias’ and Messi’s iconic No. 10.

Neymar has penned an emotional letter for Lionel Messi ahead of his final game for Argentina, thanking his former Barcelona teammate for inspiring millions and for the memories they shared on and off the pitch.

Ronaldinho shares an emotional message for Lionel Messi ahead of his Argentina farewell, reflecting on their journey, their shared World Cup dream and Messi’s legacy with the national team.