Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career with Argentina by scoring a penalty in a 3-0 victory against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, bringing an emotional close to an era that included winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Supported by a stadium-wide ovation from a packed crowd in Argentina, the 39-year-old captain walked off the pitch holding the match ball while drone displays illuminated the night sky with images of the Albiceleste jersey and his number 10. The River Plate venue returned to applaud the national team 79 days following the final lost against Spain, during a fixture where the national side played against Benin just as they had previously done against Benin.
An Emotional Farewell at the Estadio Monumental
The Buenos Aires night carried an unmistakable weight as Argentina bid farewell to its most decorated captain. Tens of thousands filled the stadium to witness what the Argentine Football Association (AFA) termed the captain’s “last tango” on home soil. Messi walked onto the turf accompanied by his children, his voice catching in his throat during the pre-match ceremonies. According to sports daily Olé, fans of all ages wept openly in the stands, united in disbelief that the national team era of the global icon had reached its final chapter. La Nación reported that the player, long revered by his compatriots, cemented his status as a legend of the sport during an evening where the final scoreline against Benin became secondary to the farewell. Els juro que m’agradaria venir tota la vida
, Messi stated during his farewell, while crowds in the stands continuously hurled insults at Argentine Football Federation President Claudio Chiqui
Tapia, who faces serious legal troubles over alleged illicit enrichment. During the evening, many in the stands could not hold back their tears, and the player himself acknowledged, No venir més serà un dolor molt gran. Vam estar molt a prop
.
Milestones and Records Left Behind in the Albiceleste Shirt
Messi departs the national team setup holding virtually every major statistical milestone for his country. His goal against Benin marked his 126th career international strike for the senior squad across a remarkable 21-year tenure. Throughout his international journey, the forward established records as the nation’s most-capped player, highest goalscorer, and most decorated player in light blue and white. Reflecting on his departure after the match, Messi expressed deep gratitude for the path he walked alongside his teammates. “The first person I think of is my father,” Messi told the crowd during post-match ceremonies, noting that he remained proud and happy wearing the shirt through both triumphs and difficult moments. During the tournament leading up to this final chapter, Messi had left an indelible mark with eight goals in what was perhaps his finest performance in such championships.
Transition from Past Crities to National Adoration
The scenes of unconditional adoration in Buenos Aires stood in stark contrast to the turbulent years following three lost tournament finals, when the captain faced harsh public scrutiny. Those criticisms dissolved entirely under the guidance of manager Lionel Scaloni, whose tenure revitalized the squad starting after the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Teammates such as Nicolás Otamendi and Julián Álvarez rushed to embrace their captain immediately after the final whistle, refusing to let go of a leader who ultimately delivered the 2022 World Cup trophy that had eluded generations of Argentine players.
Captain Assists Nico Paz During Match Against Benin
During the match against Benin, the captain provided an assist to Nico Paz for his goal, staging a passing of the torch between generations. The celebration was steeped in musical tradition, as an old Argentine song, Presente
, echoed through the venue, recalling that todo concluye al fin
and nada puede escapar
to the natural laws that bring an end to even the most beautiful stories.
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