Otamendi Heads Home Messi Assist in Argentina’s 3-0 Win Over Benin
Nicolas Otamendi headed Argentina in front from Lionel Messi’s delivery as the Albiceleste beat Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium in Messi’s final international appearance.
Otamendi’s goal seals a personal final chapter
The veteran centre-back said he had believed his last Argentina match alongside Messi had already come at the World Cup. Instead, he was given one more occasion with his long-time captain — and made it count with a headed opener created by Messi.
Otamendi described the occasion as an unexpected extra after assuming their international journey together had ended earlier. He said the pair had spent many years in the national side and that scoring his final goal from a Messi pass would remain a lifelong memory.
- Messi made his last appearance for Argentina at the Monumental Stadium.
- Otamendi broke the deadlock by converting Messi’s accurate cross.
- Argentina completed a 3-0 win over Benin.
- The squad marked the captain’s departure at the end of the match.
Squad delivers the tribute Messi deserved
Otamendi said the players had been determined to give Messi the send-off he merited. The defender admitted there was sadness around the farewell, but said it was matched by happiness after the captain received a fitting final night with the national team.
Exequiel Palacios also underlined the scale of the moment, saying that playing and sharing a dressing room with Messi — whom he called the greatest ever — was an honour he would carry for the rest of his life.
Senior core must now lead Argentina forward
Messi’s Argentina career is now over, leaving Otamendi and the squad’s other experienced figures with a bigger role in the dressing room. Their immediate task will be to steer the group through the next competitive qualifying fixtures.
- Otamendi’s header was Argentina’s opening goal against Benin.
- Messi supplied the assist in his last match for the national side.
- Argentina won the farewell fixture 3-0 at the Monumental.
- The world champions return during the next FIFA international window.
