In a highly emotional and sold-out match at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career with Argentina in style, helping his team secure a 3-0 victory over Benin. The match, dubbed "the last tango," was attended by over 85,000 spectators, with tickets selling out in just 90 minutes and fetching over $2,500 on resale sites. The historic venue held deep significance as the site where Messi scored 19 of his international goals and celebrated the 2022 World Cup triumph.
Messi delivered a masterclass performance on the pitch, setting up Nicolás Otamendi for the opening header in the 48th minute with a corner kick. He then supplied the pass for Nico Paz to score a brilliant strike into the far corner. The defining moment of the match came in the 71st minute when Agustín Giay drew a foul inside the penalty area, and Messi stepped forward to score his 126th international goal in his 208th appearance with a spot kick into the top corner.
The match was a continuous celebration of Messi's legendary career, with the stadium pausing in the 10th minute to applaud him while Benin players shook his hand and the crowd sang a tribute. Tears flowed before kickoff as Messi traveled through throngs of supporters on the team bus and stood alongside his sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro during the national anthem. A drone show illuminated the Buenos Aires sky with highlights from his career after the final whistle.
Messi's departure leaves an irreplaceable void within the national setup, according to the coaching staff. Head coach Lionel Scaloni expressed deep admiration for the departing captain, shedding tears alongside him during the anthems. Scaloni noted that while a great squad can be built with new players, he has never seen an aura like Messi's in anyone else.
Scaloni emphasized that Messi's presence and the feeling he created won't be there anymore, and the team will have to look for new ways forward. He expressed his gratitude for having coached Messi, saying it was an incredible experience, and now they have to carry on without him.
In a heartfelt farewell to the nation, Messi addressed the supporters from the center circle after the final whistle, reflecting on the profound connection he shares with his homeland and the heavy physical and emotional toll of recent years. The match also saw tributes from icons and families from Argentina's 1978, 1986, and 2022 World Cup-winning squads, who joined to honor his legacy.
The sold-out crowd and the Argentine team's emotional tributes underscored the significant impact Messi has had on the team and the nation. As he bid farewell, Messi's iconic image, including him holding the World Cup trophy in Qatar in 2022, was displayed on a drone show, capping off an emotional evening that will be remembered for years to come.
Key points
- Lionel Messi scored his 126th international goal in his 208th appearance for Argentina.
- The match was attended by over 85,000 spectators, with tickets selling out in just 90 minutes.
- Messi's departure leaves an irreplaceable void within the national setup, according to the coaching staff.
