Blues midfielder Exequiel Palacios played the final 11 minutes of Lionel Messi’s last ever game for Argentina as La Albiceleste beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly in Buenos Aires.

Messi, who was winning his 208th cap, netted his 126th international goal from the penalty spot in the 71st minute having picked up two assists earlier in the second half, Nicolas Otamendi, also playing his final international, and Nico Paz scoring.

On an emotional night, Palacios came on in the 79th minute to win his 44th full cap.

The midfielder, who celebrated his 28th birthday on Monday, was the last Town player involved in an international ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at home to Fulham.

Photo: Reuters