Lionel Messi Ends Argentina Career

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires, scoring once and assisting the other two goals. The match was his 208th appearance for Argentina, closing a 21-year run in which he became the country’s top scorer and appearance holder. Messi had said in August he would step away after the World Cup final defeat, saying younger players deserved their chance. More than 85,000 fans attended the farewell, which included a 10th-minute ovation and a post-match address. Messi called goodbye the saddest day of his career and remembered his late father. He remains with Inter Miami through 2028.