Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Benin, calling it the “saddest day of my career”. The match, played at the Monumental Stadium, served as Messi’s final appearance for Argentina after a 21-year career. He expressed immense pride in representing his country for over two decades, stating he would have continued playing indefinitely. Coach Lionel Scaloni lauded Messi as a unique and irreplaceable talent, expressing his deep gratitude for the opportunity to have coached him, especially after their 2022 World Cup win. Scaloni emphasized Messi's unparalleled skillset and the profound impact he had on the team and Argentine football. Messi described the return to the Monumental as bittersweet, acknowledging the emotional weight of saying goodbye to both the national team and its devoted fans.