One last free kick, one last roar: Legend Messi's farewell win over Benin

In his first international appearance, Lionel Messi was shown a red card. On August 17, 2005, the 18-year-old came on as a substitute against Hungary in Budapest and lasted just 47 seconds before German referee Markus Merk sent him off.

Twenty-one years later, against Benin, on his final night in an Argentina shirt, Messi receives a yellow card and a red card again, but this time there is no foul, no confrontation, and no punishment.

Referee hands over yellow and red cards to Messi

After the final whistle, with Argentina winning 3-0, referee Andres Matonte hands him his own yellow and red cards. The same cards that once marked the beginning of a troubled international journey now become a small farewell souvenir.

From a red card that cut short his first night with Argentina to a referee handing him both cards as a gesture of respect on his last, the bookends of Messi’s international career could hardly be more different.

Also read: Lionel Messi retires from international football

The Estadio Más Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires was packed. Almost everyone seemed to be wearing Argentina's colours, and almost every shirt carried the number 10.

There was no drama on the pitch. This was a typical Scaloneta match. Argentina did what Argentina have become so accustomed to doing under Lionel Scaloni. They controlled the game, moved the ball, waited for openings, but could not score in the first half.

Transition between generations

The starting line-up is quintessential Scaloneta, barring the absences of Leandro Paredes and Nahuel Molina through suspension, along with Gonzalo Montiel.

Also read: Messi fires back at World Cup favouritism allegations: 'Nothing was handed to us'

The second half brings another layer to the farewell, with the transition between generations taking shape on the pitch. Nico Paz, Franco Mastantuono and the late surprise star Lionel Flores come on, offering a glimpse of the Argentina that will carry on after Messi.

Messi scored once from the penalty spot and provided two assists as Argentina completed their final act with him in the national team.

There was even a chance for one last piece of Messi drama.

Messi scores from penalty spot

A free kick arrived in the final seconds from a position that immediately made the Monumental dream. It was the sort of moment that had belonged to Messi for two decades.

He stood over the ball with the familiar posture, bending forward, leaning his hands on his knees, waiting. An image etched into the history of football.

He struck over the bar to mark the end of an era.

Three free kicks in all. Two on target, one over. And that is enough.

Messi scores from the penalty spot, creates two goals and takes his free kicks. He does what he has done for Argentina for years, only this time there is no next match. Messi hangs up his Argentine boots.

Gracias eternas por tu fútbol. (Forever thanks for your football)

The words from the band Los Fundamentalistas seemed to say what an entire generation of Argentines was struggling to put into words.

Team jumps together

The Argentine fans, the hinchas (supporters) and hinchadas (fan groups), were there in full force. Many who had once questioned Messi’s lack of garra (fighting spirit) and aguante (grit and endurance) had, over time, fallen completely in love with him. The transformation became particularly clear in the second half of his international career. By then, he had become not just the scorer but the provider too. He had evolved and transcended roles, moving from winger to false nine to the classic enganche (No. 10), becoming all three in one.

The player who could see the pass before the rest of the team saw the opening. The player who could dictate the rhythm, draw defenders towards him, and then release somebody else.

After the match, the stadium was a sight.

The entire Argentina team jumped together. The players embraced. The stands continued to sing. The flags moved above a sea of blue and white.

What Messi said

"I will miss the colours of the national team," Messi said.

And then came the familiar chant. They were all jumping, as any Argentine will do.. for them "Those who don't jump are not Argentine."

Messi spoke about the teammates who had fought alongside him.

"I was surrounded by warriors who gave their lives," he said.

And about the supporters, he remembered one thing from almost every place Argentina had played.

"When we are united, we are conquered by no one," he said.

There are people who do not want to see that unity, Messi said, but Argentina must remain together.

"We are an extraordinary group. That's why we won everything we won."

Then came the words that mattered most.

"I love you. I will miss you."

Moment of the match

Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini had played his final match for Argentina.

There will be a statistic for every Messi match, a number to remember, a goal or an assist to archive. This one had two assists, a penalty goal, two free kicks on target, and another that went over. The data analysts will record his performance with an 8.5-9 rating. It will read: Goals 1, Total shots 9, Shots on target 5, Hit woodwork 1, Shots blocked 3, Big chances missed 4, Offsides 3.

Every Messi match has its own moment. This match has one too, and it comes in the 72nd minute.

Messi sprints after a through ball and stops it right at the corner spot with that familiar control. It is almost like telekinesis, the ball seemingly obeying him even at the end of his Argentina career.

At 39, the legs may not be the same. But the touch, the vision, and the instinct are still there.

Gracias por tu fútbol (Thank you for your football), Leo.