Lionel Messi ended his international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0 at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, closing a 21-year chapter with the national team.

The match was paused after 10 minutes to honour Messi, who raised his hand to acknowledge the crowd’s ovation before play resumed. He then set up Argentina’s first two goals before completing the scoring late in the match by converting a penalty into the top corner.

“I am proud to be Argentine and to have been able to fulfil this dream with all of you,” Messi told the crowd afterwards.

He then took a final lap around the pitch as fans chanted his name, bringing an emotional farewell to his international career.

Messi finished his Argentina career with 126 international goals, the most in the team’s history. His honours with the national side include the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima.

He is also the only player to have won the Ballon d’Or eight times.

Before kick-off, Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires as part of the farewell celebrations.

The ceremony ended with a drone display spelling out his name and jersey number above the stadium.

While his Argentina career is over, Messi will continue playing club football for Inter Miami.