Lionel Messi officially closed the book on his 21-year stint with the Argentina national team on Tuesday, sharing an emotional goodbye with devoted supporters in Buenos Aires for his final appearance as a former world champion.
In a meticulously staged conclusion, the 39-year-old, often hailed as the greatest footballer of all time, netted his 126th international goal before a crowd of 85,000 as Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 win against Benin.
Playing in his record-breaking 208th cap, Messi also set up the opening strike for veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi, while Nico Paz added a third.
However, the match results paled in comparison to the ceremony itself, with Messi soaking in the adoration of the Monumental Stadium faithful during an event promoted as ‘The Last Tango’.
Earlier, Messi was moved to tears as the team bus navigated through throngs of well-wishers traveling to the stadium.
He walked onto the pitch accompanied by his three children, while his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from a VIP box, showering him with affectionate waves.
Just prior to kickoff, a massive Argentina jersey displaying “Gracias” (Thank You) above the number 10 was unfurled across the pitch to cheers from the stands.
Messi was visibly emotional again as Fabio Santana, a veteran of the Falklands War, sang the national anthem next to a banner stating “The Malvinas are Argentine,” mirroring the display held by players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.
Kickoff was delayed in the 10th minute for a minute-long standing ovation honoring Messi’s iconic shirt number.
He capped off the event by converting a penalty in the 71st minute.
‘Gave it my all’
At the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the stadium sky with an image of Messi, expressing gratitude to the eight-time Ballon D’Or recipient for his career.
The farewell followed roughly two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final loss to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi departed in tears following a disjointed 1-0 defeat.
“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi stated then.
Prior to Tuesday’s match, the University of Buenos Aires bestowed an honorary doctorate upon Messi during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters.
Messi, who has previously expressed regret over not pursuing more formal education, expressed honor at the accolade.
“To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!,” he quipped.
Outside the AFA headquarters, supporters unfurled a large Argentine flag featuring his portrait under the caption “The joy of my life.”
Former Barcelona teammate Neymar honored the departing star on X.
“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” he wrote.
Messi is still contracted to Inter Miami through 2028, though following the passing of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he indicated he might retire sooner than expected.
His exit comes four years after his crowning international achievement, guiding Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and ending a 36-year drought for a third championship, solidifying his position as Diego Maradona’s successor.
“I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest,” said 52-year-old fan Cecilia Adriano.
Over his tenure with the Albiceleste, Argentina claimed one World Cup, finished as runners-up twice (2014 and 2026), and won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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