Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina with win over Benin

Lionel Messi bid farewell to Argentina's national team, scoring in a 3-0 win over Benin in his final match for the side.

The match, played Tuesday night at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, saw Messi score one goal and provide assists for two others. It was his 208th appearance for the national team.

Sponsor Adidas had prepared a special farewell jersey for the match, with his name and number printed in gold. Spectators at the stadium were moved to tears by Messi's address from the pitch after the game ended.

Referee Fernando Rapallini presented Messi with his yellow and red cards along with the match ball as mementos. The cards were not issued as penalties — Messi was neither cautioned nor sent off during the match.

The 39-year-old Messi holds the record for most appearances for Argentina and is the country's all-time top scorer with 126 goals. He led the national team to a third World Cup title and two consecutive Copa America titles.