Lionel Messi bowed out of international football in style on Tuesday, October 6, after scoring from the spot and setting up two goals in Argentina’s 3-0 win over Benin Republic at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

As the curtain falls on arguably the greatest player of all time, MyNigeria Sports looks back at the three times Messi faced the Super Eagles at the FIFA World Cup and what transpired in those meetings.

2010 (South Africa) — Argentina 1-0 Nigeria

Lionel Messi first faced Nigeria at senior level at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Despite terrorising the Super Eagles’ defence on multiple occasions, the Barcelona superstar was repeatedly denied by the heroics of Vincent Enyeama, who pulled off a string of spectacular saves to deny the little Argentine. Argentina eventually won the Group B opener courtesy of Gabriel Heinze’s superb header.

2014 (Brazil) — Argentina 3-2 Nigeria

Four years later, Messi finally got the better of Enyeama, scoring twice in a thrilling group-stage finale. His first came from a rebound after Di María’s shot came off the post and fell kindly for him. His second was a sublime free kick, chipped over the Super Eagles’ wall and beyond Enyeama’s reach right on the stroke of half-time.

Ahmed Musa cancelled out both of Messi’s goals for Nigeria, but Marcos Rojo’s second-half strike sealed a 3-2 win for Argentina, who topped the group. Nigeria still advanced to the Round of 16 for the first time since 1998.

2018 (Russia) — Argentina 2-1 Nigeria

Lionel Messi’s last meeting with Nigeria came in the summer of 2018 in a must-win group finale for both sides. Messi ended a personal goal drought at the tournament with a moment of pure class, controlling a long ball from Ever Banega on his thigh before finishing calmly with his weaker right foot beyond Francis Uzoho. Nigeria equalised from the spot through Victor Moses before Marcos Rojo scored a late winner as Argentina held on to win 2-1 and advance alongside Croatia, while Nigeria and Iceland were eliminated.

Messi ended his international career with a staggering 126 goals and 67 assists in 208 games for the Albiceleste, winning two Copa América titles and the FIFA World Cup.

WDN