PSL represented in Messi's Argentina farewell
by KickOff Reporter · KickOffLionel Messi brought down the curtain on a glittering career with Argentina with an impactful performance in a 3-0 win over Guinea at a sold out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.
The Cheetahs came into the clash on the back of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying action, while Lionel Scaloni's charges had thumped Burkina Faso in a friendly over the weekend.
While there was a friendly taking place on the day, all eyes were undoubtedly on Messi who wore the captain's armband for the final time while adidas had made him a special jersey for the occasion.
There was also Premier Soccer League representation as Kruger United goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou was given a start for the away side.
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Benin and Dandjinou did their best to keep the home side at bay in the opening 45 minutes, with the latter making a couple of key saves to keep his side in the contest.
However, Dandjinou's resolve was broken in the second half, first by Nicolas Otamendi who volleyed home a corner from Messi, who bagged a second assist around the hour mark to set Nico Paz for the second goal.
Messi eventually got his goal with 20 minutes left on the clock when he fired past Dandjinou from the penalty spot for his 126th goal for the national team, extending his record as the all-time leading scorer.
The Inter Miami star will now shift focus to his club career after an illustrious international career that started in 2005 against Hungary when he made his debut that lasted under three minutes after he was shown a straight red card for an elbow on Vilmos Vanczák.
Click through the gallery above to see Messi's farewell game for Argentina.