Lionel Messi Scores in Final Argentina Match, Crowned with Honorary Doctorate

Lionel Messi concluded his illustrious 21-year international career with Argentina by participating in a gala performance during a friendly match against Benin on Tuesday at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The crowd of 85,000 fans offered a final standing ovation to the player widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest.

Messi contributed a penalty and two assists in the 3-0 victory, adding a final flourish to a career that includes a 2022 World Cup title and two Copa América championships. His international achievements also encompass 126 goals for Argentina, making him the nation's all-time leading scorer.

Orchestrating the Farewell

The scoring began in the 48th minute when Nicolas Otamendi headed in a corner kick taken by Messi. In the 61st minute, Messi provided an assist to young talent Nicolas Paz, who scored with a left-footed finish. Ten minutes later, Messi converted a left-footed penalty into the top corner, further cementing his legacy.

Despite still performing at a high level at age 39, Messi had announced in August that his time with the national team was drawing to a close. His final match, his 208th for Argentina, was played amidst a spectacular fireworks display. He wore a specially designed jersey featuring a larger sun graphic and a golden No. 10 on the back, with subtle goat horns incorporated into the print, a nod to his "Greatest Of All Time" moniker.

Midway through the first half, the match was briefly paused to honor the Argentine captain. Teammates and rivals alike approached to greet him, while fans rose in a prolonged standing ovation.

A Journey from Heartbreak to Glory

Messi made his senior national team debut in 2005. His international journey was marked by years of near misses and final heartbreak until the 2022 World Cup victory, which secured his place among football's legends and solidified his status as a national hero in Argentina. He was accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro during the national anthem, showing a moment of deep emotion.

Pre-Match Honors

Prior to the farewell match, Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), a public institution. The award was presented at the national team's training complex in Ezeiza, recognizing his on-field achievements and his significant influence both within Argentina and globally.

Supporters traveled considerable distances to witness Messi's final game, with one couple journeying over 1,000 kilometers from Tucumán. They expressed that the event was a unique moment, worth the long travel, as such an occasion might never be replicated.

Messi's performance in the most recent World Cup, where he scored eight goals and provided four assists, has once again placed him in contention for the Ballon d’Or. He is a record eight-time winner of the award.