More than 85,000 fans packed the stadium to celebrate the 39-year-old captain, turning his final appearance for Argentina into a national tribute. Landmarks across Buenos Aires were illuminated in the team's sky blue and white colours, while fireworks and chants filled the night.
Messi's family watched from the stands alongside members of Argentina's 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning teams.
Earlier, a giant No. 10 shirt carrying the word "Gracias" was displayed at the National Flag Memorial in Rosario, Messi's hometown. Thousands of fans lined the team's route from the training centre named after him, with Messi visibly emotional as he wiped away tears.
Benin captain handed Messi a gift and letter during the pre-match handshake before the match began.
After a goalless first half, Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi for Argentina's opening goal. Otamendi, who has shared 17 years with Messi in the national team and played in four World Cups, was also making his final international appearance.
Messi then provided another assist for Nico Paz, one of the players regarded as a potential successor to Argentina's iconic No. 10 shirt.
The fairytale ending came when Messi converted a penalty to make it 3-0. It was his 126th international goal and prompted another huge chorus of "Messi, Messi" from the crowd.
At the final whistle, Argentina's players, their opponents and the referee gathered around Messi for emotional embraces. A drone show then illuminated the sky to mark the end of his international career.
Messi leaves Argentina as the country's most-capped player with 208 appearances and its record scorer. After years of frustration, he helped transform the national team's fortunes with Copa America and World Cup triumphs.
For years, Argentina asked Messi to deliver. On Tuesday, the country simply came to say thank you.
