Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina with win and national celebration

Lionel Messi concluded his international career with Argentina on Tuesday night after 21 years of achievements, playing his final match in a friendly against Benin that ended in a 3-0 victory for Argentina at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, witnessed by more than 85,000 fans.

The match was more than just a friendly; it became a national celebration of a legend who transformed Argentine football. Landmarks across the capital were lit in blue and white, fireworks illuminated the stadium sky, and fans sang the national anthem in an atmosphere filled with pride and gratitude.

Messi, whose family watched from the stands alongside several former World Cup champions, said he struggled to express his emotions, referencing his late father and affirming that wearing the national shirt for over 20 years was a tremendous source of pride.

Emotional farewell and widespread celebrations

Hours before kickoff, a giant shirt bearing the number 10 and the word “Gracias” was raised in Messi’s hometown of Rosario. Thousands of fans lined the streets to greet him as the team bus passed, and Messi was visibly moved as he passed the training center named after him.

During the pre-match ceremony, the Benin captain presented Messi with a gift and a commemorative message in a touching gesture. After a goalless first half, Messi set up Nicolás Otamendi—who was also playing his final international match—for the opening goal, then assisted Nico Paz for the second, before sealing the match with a penalty to bring his international tally to 126 goals.

At the final whistle, Messi was surrounded by teammates, opponents, and match officials, while drone displays lit up the sky. Singer Soledad Pastorutti performed a tribute song for him during the closing ceremony.

An extraordinary career and historic achievements

Messi leaves the international stage as Argentina’s most-capped player (208 appearances) and all-time top scorer. After years of near-misses, he led Argentina to World Cup and Copa América glory, etching his name into the nation’s memory.

On his farewell night, thousands expressed their gratitude to Messi, reaffirming his status as one of football’s greatest ever players.