Lionel Messi set up Nicolás Otamendi for a dramatic opening volley and later scored from the penalty spot as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
Early Breakthrough at the Monumental
The match remained scoreless through a tightly contested first half until the deadlock broke just three minutes into the second period. Lionel Messi curled a precise corner kick from the left flank directly toward the penalty spot. Nicolás Otamendi surged forward at speed, meeting the cross with an acrobatic right-footed volley that beat Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Ovations and Substitutions in Buenos Aires
Just four minutes after opening the scoring, Otamendi exited the pitch during the initial wave of substitutions. The goal marked Otamendi’s tenth for the senior national team in his 140th appearance.
Expanding the Lead and Closing the Scoring
Argentina maintained control of the fixture as the second half progressed. In the 16th minute, midfielder Nico Paz doubled the advantage with a curling strike into the far corner past Dandjinou. Mid-way through the half, the crowd erupted as Messi converted a penalty kick in the 25th minute, bringing his historic international tally to 126 goals in 208 appearances for Argentina.
Reflections from the Veteran Defender
Following the final whistle, Otamendi reflected on his lengthy career in the Albiceleste shirt alongside four major tournament titles: the 2021 Copa América, the 2022 Finalissima, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, and the 2024 Copa América. “An incredible closing. This match was extra, I had already said goodbye. But the call from the ten so that I could be here, so that I could enjoy his farewell, of a historic day for him,” Otamendi told TyC Sports. “It was 17 years in the Selección and it was something beautiful to enjoy it with him. Scoring the last goal with the Argentina National Team in my last match is something I will take with me for all my life.”
Fans and Veterans Celebrate Before Kickoff
Before kickoff, the buildup included musical performances and the rendition of the Argentine National Anthem performed by Fabio Santana, a Malvinas war veteran who entered carrying a flag bearing the inscription Las Malvinas son argentinas
. During the delegation’s transit, several fans stopped their vehicles and approached the route to film and photograph the team’s passage. Former forward Pocho Lavezzi was present at the Ezeiza training facility to experience Lionel Messi’s final training session.
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