Lionel Messi plays final game for Argentina

One of football's greatest ever players, Lionel Messi, has played his final game for Argentina.

The 39-year-old scored a penalty and set up two other goals in a 3-0 win over Benin in front of more than 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires.

After the match, he said that playing for Argentina was "the most wonderful thing that can happen to you".

Messi will still play for his club, Inter Miami, but will not play for his country or take part in international tournaments.

In August, Messi announced he was retiring from international football after more than 20 years playing for Argentina.

His final match for his country took place on Tuesday and was a special one from the start.

The Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires was packed with fans, as supporters came to watch him play for the national team one last time.

The sold-out crowd chanted his name and many brought banners to celebrate their football hero.

Before kick-off a spectacular firework display greeted the players on to the pitch, while a giant Argentina shirt - bearing Messi's iconic number 10 and the word 'gracias' (thank you) - was stretched across the field.

And Messi gave the fans plenty more to cheer about during the match.

In the second half, the superstar striker set up two goals before getting on the scoresheet himself.

He scored from the penalty spot to make it 3-0, sending the crowd into huge celebrations.

The goal was Messi's 126th for Argentina in his 208th and final appearance for his country.

After the final whistle, Messi stayed on the pitch to speak to the fans.

He became emotional as he looked around the stadium, taking in the moment with his team-mates and supporters.

Messi told the crowd that he was proud to be Argentine and would "miss defending the national team's colors."

He added: "Now I'll be right there alongside you, supporting these guys and everyone who comes after them. Always, always united."

Messi has the most goals and appearances for Argentina, which also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

Messi also captained his country when they lifted the World Cup in 2022, and led the team to the final again this summer, where they lost to Spain.