In a packed stadium honoring the Argentine captain, Messi masterminded all three second-half goals following a goalless first half. In the 48th minute, Messi delivered a corner kick volleyed home by fellow retiring veteran Nicolás Otamendi. Thirteen minutes later, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner set up young prodigy Nico Paz for Argentina's second goal. The 39-year-old maestro then scored his final international goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute after Agustín Giay was brought down in the box, unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner. Making his debut for La Albiceleste in 2005 against Hungary and scoring his first international goal on March 1, 2006 against Croatia, Messi finishes his iconic national team career with 208 caps, 126 goals, 69 assists, 21 World Cup goals, and four major international titles (the 2021 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima, 2022 FIFA World Cup, and 2024 Copa América).