Lionel Messi ended his extraordinary 21-year international career with an emotional farewell at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, scoring in Argentina’s 3-0 friendly win over Benin before more than 85,000 fans. The night featured fireworks, tributes, tears and a final standing ovation for the country’s iconic No. 10.
A night of emotion
A giant No. 10 shirt bearing “Gracias” was displayed in Rosario, while fans lined the team’s route to the stadium.
Messi walked onto the pitch with sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro and was visibly moved during the national anthem.
Benin’s captain presented him with a gift and letter before kick-off. Angel Di Maria and legendary former players were also present, while Messi’s family and Argentina’s World Cup-winning generations watched from the stands.
Messi’s final master class
After a goalless first half, Messi created Argentina’s opener for Nicolas Otamendi, who was also playing his final international match after 17 years alongside his captain and four World Cups.
Messi then assisted Nico Paz, one of the players tipped as a future No. 10, for the second goal.
In the 69th minute, Messi converted a penalty into the top-right corner for his 126th international goal. He later missed a close-range chance and saw another effort hit the post before sending a late free-kick over.
At the final whistle, teammates, opponents and the referee embraced Messi as a drone show and singer Soledad Pastorutti’s “Brindis” completed the tribute.
Argentina’s most-capped player with 208 appearances leaves as the nation’s record scorer, having turned years of disappointment into World Cup and Copa America glory.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt,” Messi said through tears, adding that not representing Argentina anymore would hurt deeply. For once, Argentina did not ask him for more. It simply said: “Gracias, Leo.”
