A closer look at “Lionel Messi Calls Argentina Retirement His 'Saddest Day' After Final Match Win Over Benin”, exactly as the source publishes it. Lionel Messi has described ending his Argentina career as the 'saddest day' of his football life, after playing his final international match in a 3-0 victory over Benin at Buenos Aires' Monumental Stadium. The 37-year-old captain scored one goal and set up two others, capping a 21-year journey with the national team that included World Cup and Copa América triumphs. Speaking to the crowd after the game, Messi said, 'Not coming any more is going to be deeply painful,' as he thanked fans and teammates for their support over two decades.
The farewell match drew a sold-out crowd eager to honor Argentina's all-time leading scorer and most decorated player. Messi's international retirement marks the end of an era for Argentine football, leaving a legacy that includes 112 goals in 191 appearances and the 2022 World Cup title. The full version stays on the original page, which this listing opens directly.