Lionel Messi made sure to bid a proper goodbye to his fans on Tuesday, suiting up for Argentina in a friendly against Benin at Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires for his farewell match with the national team.

The sold-out crowd was heavily anticipating a goal from the 39-year-old Messi. As usual, he delivered. In the 71st minute, he lasered in a penalty kick to give Argentina a 3-nil lead. Quite poetically, it was the final goal of the emotional match.

He is walking away from international football after 21 years, 208 games, 126 goals, and two championships at Copa America. Of course, he also led Argentina to the title in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the biggest accomplishment of his legendary career.

Many thought that Messi played his final match for Argentina when they lost to Spain in the final of the 2025 FIFA World Cup in July. But the Argentine Football Association (AFA) convinced him to make one last appearance for "the farewell he deserves," according to ESPN.

"More than 85,000 tickets to Buenos Aires' largest stadium sold out in 90 minutes, later fetching over $2,500 on resale sites. Players from Argentina's 1978, 1986, and 2022 World Cup-winning squads, along with their families, joined the tribute," said the report.

Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, wore the special jersey given to him by AFA for his final tango. He became emotional as soon as the team arrived at the historic venue.

Messi is still playing at the club level with Inter Miami in the MLS. (Text courtesy of Yahoo Sports but with headline amended)