Lionel Messi has signed off from his legendary Argentina career in spectacular fashion.

The 39-year-old superstar made his final appearance for La Albiceleste on Tuesday night in Buenos Aires, helping Argentina cruise to a 3-0 victory over Benin.

And Messi made sure his farewell was one to remember. He scored from the penalty spot and provided assists for the other two goals as Argentina turned on the style in the second half.

But after the final whistle, the spotlight shifted from the pitch to the emotional tributes pouring in for one of football’s greatest-ever players.

Leading the tributes was Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival who battled him for individual honours and supremacy in Spanish football for more than a decade.

Ronaldo took to Instagram to salute his former rival. He wrote: “Leo, so many years defending your country and a history that will last forever. All my respect for what you have achieved with Argentina.”

Messi leaves international football as Argentina’s record appearance maker, goalscorer and assist provider, with 208 caps, 126 goals and 66 assists.

His international legacy includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and Olympic gold in Beijing in 2008.

He also shares the record for appearing at six World Cups, alongside Ronaldo.

Ronaldinho: ‘Your name is etched in history’

Messi’s former Barcelona teammate Ronaldinho also paid an emotional tribute, reflecting on their journey from football dreams to becoming world champions.

“What a pleasure and a joy it has been to be part of your story since day one, brother!,” wrote Ronaldinho.

The Brazilian legend said Messi had given millions of supporters unforgettable moments.

“You made us smile and enjoy football so much!!! Your name is etched in the history of your country and the entire world.”

Ronaldinho also highlighted the emotional significance of representing their countries and winning the World Cup.

“Only we know the joy we felt fulfilling our childhood dream: representing our nation and becoming world champions!!!!”

He ended with a personal message to Messi: “Enjoy life, brother. I wish you the best, today and always.”

Neymar, another former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain teammate, also thanked Messi for the impact he had on his career.

The Brazilian said Messi had made him “love football even more” and urged him to enjoy every moment of his final appearance in Argentina colours.

Messi will now turn his attention to club football with Inter Miami, bringing an extraordinary chapter of his international career to an end.

For more than two decades, he carried Argentina’s hopes, endured the criticism, delivered the trophies and eventually completed the ultimate dream by becoming a World Cup champion.

And on his final night, Messi left the international stage exactly as he had spent much of his career — making history and giving fans another memory to cherish.

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