Widely considered the greatest player in the history of the game, superstar Lionel Messi has finally brought his international career to an end at 39 years old.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Argentina is confronting a once-unimaginable reality: a national team without soccer great Lionel Messi. On Tuesday, 39-year-old Messi bid farewell to international soccer after 21 years,

Lionel Messi played his final World Cup game for Argentina in July. On Tuesday, the soccer icon played his final international game of any kind in his last game with Argentina's national team.

For one final time, Lionel Messi will take the field for Argentina before his international retirement becomes official, as the Albiceleste meet Benin for a celebratory occasion in Buenos Aires.