Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career by stepping onto the pitch for Argentina one final time in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, where approximately 85,000 spectators gathered to bid farewell to the country’s all-time leading scorer. CNN Arabic reported that the 39-year-old forward sealed the match with a 71st-minute penalty and provided two assists to secure a comfortable win in front of his family.
An Emotional Farewell at the Monumental
The night in Buenos Aires carried immense emotional weight from the moment the team bus arrived outside the stadium. CNN Arabic noted that Messi appeared deeply moved while watching the dense crowds line the route, joined in the stands by his mother, Celia María Cuccittini, and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. Before kickoff, a giant jersey bearing the number 10 was unfurled across the centre circle. Messi wept during the national anthem, while Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni was also seen breaking down in tears on the touchline.
The match itself offered several ceremonial pauses. In the 10th minute, play halted as the entire stadium stood to applaud, and Benin players embraced the former Barcelona star. On the pitch, Messi set up goals for Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz in the 48th and 61st minutes before converting his penalty. Following his goal, Lautaro Martinez hoisted him into the air amid celebrations. After the final whistle, teammates embraced Messi, and the stadium featured a drone light show dedicated to his career.
Instagram Reflections and Tributes from Global Rivals
Reflecting on the milestone in a post on Instagram, Messi shared his thoughts on closing the chapter on his international career. Akhbarak.net reported that the forward wrote, “Yesterday was my last match, I already miss wearing the blue and white shirt.” He added, “I know I made the right decision. It was an amazing journey, full of joy but also some sad moments. But I’m sure every step of the way was worth it.”
In the same post, Messi paid tribute to late Argentine legend Diego Maradona. “I don’t want to forget Diego, who led our country to the place it deserves, and who, as I said before, helped us every step of the way, whether he was here with us or from heaven,” Messi wrote. The post generated millions of interactions, including a public message from longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo. Akhbarak.net noted that the 41-year-old Portuguese forward wrote, “Leo, you defended your country for many years and wrote a story that will always be remembered. You have all my respect for what you achieved with the Argentina national team.”
Record Books and International Honours
Messi leaves the Albiceleste as the most-capped player in national team history with 207 appearances, alongside a record 125 goals and 68 assists. Having made his senior debut in 2005, his early years brought heavy frustration and final defeats, including the 2014 World Cup final against Germany and consecutive Copa América final losses to Chile in 2015 and 2016.
The trajectory shifted decisively in the latter half of his career. Messi captained Argentina to the 2021 Copa América title, secured the Finalissima trophy the following year, and culminated his international journey by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar—ending a 36-year wait for the nation’s third global crown. He followed that triumph by defending the continental title at the 2024 Copa América.
The Squad Transition and the Number 10 Shirt
The transition into the post-Messi era involves significant shifts in personnel and leadership. CNN Arabic confirmed that several members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad featured in the farewell fixture, including Cristian Romero, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Al-Ain reported that Cristian Romero is expected to inherit the permanent team captaincy following Messi’s departure.
Meanwhile, the fate of the famous number 10 shirt sparked international media coverage regarding FIFA regulations on national team kits. Al-Ain noted that while clubs frequently retire jersey numbers to honour legends, FIFA rules strictly prohibit retiring numbers or leaving gaps in squad lists for international tournaments, requiring sequential numbering from 1 to 23. Consequently, the Argentine Football Association cannot officially retire the number 10. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and ESPN Argentina reports cited by Al-Ain and Al-Balad, 21-year-old Como midfielder Nico Paz has emerged as the leading candidate to wear the number 10 shirt as Scaloni begins shaping a new squad for upcoming competitions.
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