Lionel Messi played his final game for Argentina in a friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires, giving teammates and fans the opportunity to bid him farewell.
The 39-year-old played the full 90 minutes as Argentina won 3-0, scoring from the penalty spot and providing two assists.
Messi made his Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to play in six World Cups, winning the tournament in 2022. He holds the national team records for both appearances (208) and goals (126). He also won Olympic gold in 2008 and two Copa América titles, in 2021 and 2024.
The match was stopped in the 10th minute, a reference to his shirt number, for a minute of applause in his honour.
Described as Messi’s “last tango”, the match turned the historic Estadio Monumental into a gathering place for fans bidding farewell to a national hero. The stadium was packed, with supporters chanting “Messi!” throughout. In the 10th minute, the match was stopped for a minute of applause in his honour, while fireworks marked the occasion.
Before kick-off, a giant Argentina shirt covered part of the pitch. It featured Messi’s No. 10, but instead of his name across the shoulders, it read simply “Gracias” — “Thank you”. Crowds also lined the streets along the route taken by the Argentina team bus to the stadium.
“Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can ever happen to you,” Messi said on the pitch after taking the microphone.
Source:New York Times
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