The Spanish giants paid tribute to their legendary former captain after Messi made his final appearance for Argentina in a 3–0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Barcelona highlighted the remarkable journey that began with Messi’s Olympic triumph at the 2008 Beijing Games and eventually saw him become one of the most decorated players in Argentina’s history.

The club recalled his Olympic gold medal as an early milestone in a national-team career that would later include a FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles and other major honours.

Messi scored during his final appearance against Benin, bringing his international career to a close after 208 appearances and 126 goals for Argentina, according to Barcelona.

His list of honours with the national team includes the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Copa América triumphs in 2021 and 2024, the 2008 Olympic gold medal and the FIFA U-20 World Cup.

Barcelona's tribute also underlined the lasting relationship between Messi and the club. The Argentine joined Barcelona's youth system as a teenager and went on to spend more than two decades associated with the club.

During his senior career at Barcelona, Messi made 778 official appearances, scored 672 goals and won 35 trophies, making him the club's record holder for appearances, goals and major honours.

His international career, however, was marked by a long wait for major success with Argentina. After several near misses in major tournaments, Messi finally lifted his first major senior international trophy when Argentina defeated Brazil in the 2021 Copa América final.

That breakthrough was followed by further success, most notably Argentina's 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.

The Olympic gold medal Messi won in Beijing came earlier in his international journey. Barcelona's own records confirm that he played a key role in Argentina's successful Olympic campaign in 2008.

With Messi now closing the Argentina chapter of his career, Barcelona described his legacy with the national team as one that has left an enduring mark on the famous blue-and-white jersey.

Although his international career has ended, Messi's playing career continues at club level with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

For Argentina, however, his 208 appearances, 126 goals and collection of major trophies have firmly established him as one of the country's greatest footballing figures.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia