📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Voltmetro
Sports
Messi's Last‑Minute Goal Secures 3-0 Win for Argentina over Benin in Farewell Friendly
✍️ Bhaskar English
🗓 07 Oct 2026, 07:16 AM
👁 15
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in a farewell friendly, with Lionel Messi scoring a decisive late strike.
Argentina opened the scoring in the 12th minute when Lautaro Martínez found the back of the net, setting the tone for a dominant display. A second goal came in the 35th minute from Ángel Di María, extending the lead before the break. In the 88th minute, Lionel Messi completed the rout with a powerful strike, sealing a 3-0 victory. The match, played in front of a packed stadium in Buenos Aires, served as a farewell for the Argentine legend, who will retire from international football after the World Cup.
Messi's late goal was a reminder of his enduring skill, as he controlled the ball with calm precision before firing past the Beninese goalkeeper. The Argentine captain also provided an assist for the second goal, showcasing his leadership on the field.
Benin struggled to find rhythm, with their defense unable to contain Argentina's relentless attack. Despite a few promising chances, the team could not convert and ultimately lost without scoring.
The win marks a fitting send‑off for Messi, who has led Argentina to multiple titles and will now focus on his club commitments.
The friendly was organized to celebrate Messi's illustrious career and to give the national team a final opportunity to test tactics before the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
Messi's late goal was a reminder of his enduring skill, as he controlled the ball with calm precision before firing past the Beninese goalkeeper. The Argentine captain also provided an assist for the second goal, showcasing his leadership on the field.
Benin struggled to find rhythm, with their defense unable to contain Argentina's relentless attack. Despite a few promising chances, the team could not convert and ultimately lost without scoring.
The win marks a fitting send‑off for Messi, who has led Argentina to multiple titles and will now focus on his club commitments.
The friendly was organized to celebrate Messi's illustrious career and to give the national team a final opportunity to test tactics before the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.