Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina ended the only way many believed it should: with a goal, two assists and a stadium full of tears.

The 39-year-old captain signed off from international football Tuesday night by inspiring Argentina to a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at a sold-out Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, bringing down the curtain on a remarkable 21-year national team career that transformed him from a misunderstood prodigy into one of the country’s most beloved figures.

Messi, making his 208th and final appearance for Argentina, created the opening two goals before converting a second-half penalty for his 126th international goal, extending records he already held as the nation’s all-time leader in appearances and scoring.

Yet the result mattered little.

What unfolded under the lights in Buenos Aires was a farewell to a player who became far more than a football icon in Argentina, a nation where sporting triumphs often provide moments of collective joy amid decades of economic and political turbulence.

"It feels like an era is ending,” said 17-year-old fan Valentino Ruso before kickoff. "Everyone is sad today. He will be missed.”

Messi’s departure marks the end of one of football’s most complicated and ultimately rewarding relationships.

The shy teenager who left Rosario for Barcelona’s academy at 13 was long viewed with suspicion by some compatriots who felt he lacked the emotional connection embodied by Diego Maradona.

While Messi conquered club football and became a global superstar, critics questioned whether the quiet forward who spent most of his life abroad truly represented Argentina.

Those doubts persisted through years of heartbreak, including defeats in the 2014 World Cup final and consecutive Copa America finals in 2015 and 2016. After the latter loss, Messi briefly retired from international football.

Everything changed in 2021.

Argentina’s Copa America triumph over Brazil ended a 28-year trophy drought and redefined Messi’s standing at home. The World Cup victory in Qatar the following year completed the transformation, elevating him into the pantheon of Argentina’s greatest sporting figures.

"Winning disarmed his critics,” sports sociologist Diego Murzi said. "That’s how football works in Argentina.”

Messi leaves behind a glittering international resume: a World Cup title in 2022, Copa America crowns in 2021 and 2024, six World Cup appearances, 21 World Cup goals and more than two decades carrying the expectations of an entire nation.

The Argentine Football Association turned Tuesday’s match into a national celebration dubbed "The Last Tango.” More than 85,000 fans packed the Monumental, while former players from Argentina’s World Cup-winning teams of 1978, 1986 and 2022 returned to honor the captain.

Messi delivered one final masterclass.

After a scoreless first half, his corner kick led to Nicolas Otamendi’s header shortly after the break. He then set up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal before calmly blasting a penalty into the top corner in the 70th minute after Agustin Giay was fouled.

As chants of "Messi, Messi” echoed around the stadium, teammates gathered around their captain after the final whistle. Banners hailed him as the "Eternal Captain,” while thousands remained in their seats simply to watch him take one last lap of honor.

"The saddest day of my career has arrived,” Messi told supporters. "Playing for the Argentina national team is the most wonderful thing that can happen to you. I’m proud to be Argentine and grateful for every moment we shared.”

Messi also paid tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, who died in August at age 68 after an illness. His father had guided his career for decades as both adviser and agent.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni struggled to contain his emotions.

"I never imagined I would coach the best player in history,” Scaloni said. "He leaves us an incredible legacy. Having him on your side was incomparable.”

Tributes poured in from around the football world, including from Brazil star and former Barcelona teammate Neymar.

"It’s not just Argentina that thanks you,” Neymar wrote on social media. "The world thanks you for everything you did for football.”

Messi’s playing career is not over. He remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 MLS season.

But for Argentina, something irreplaceable has ended.

For more than two decades, fans entered every match believing that anything was possible because Messi was on the field. That feeling, as much as the goals and trophies, is what the country will miss most.

Late Tuesday night, after the celebrations had faded and the stadium lights dimmed, Messi paused at the tunnel entrance, raised his arms toward the crowd one final time and disappeared into football history.