Messi weeps during anthem at Argentina farewell match, TyC Sports reports

Lionel Messi wept alongside his children at Buenos Aires’ Estadio Monumental on October 6, 2026, unable to sing the national anthem during his farewell match for the Argentina national team against Benin, as TyC Sports reported. The emotional pre-match ceremony brought together a crowd of supporters, veteran soldier Fabio Santana performing the anthem, and the controversial Falklands (Malvinas) banner that previously sparked a major FIFA disciplinary case during the 2026 World Cup.

Argentina squad marks end of captain's international career

The Estadio Monumental filled with emotion as the Argentina squad took the pitch for a friendly fixture against Benin, marking the end of a 21-year international career for the team’s captain. Telefe noted that the festivities began at 20:00 local time (UTC-3), bringing down the curtain on an era that yielded global titles. As the stadium quieted for the pre-match protocols, the focus shifted to the podium where former Falklands War combatant Fabio Santana stood ready to perform the Argentine national anthem alongside the historic banner.

Santana shared his reflections ahead of the performance via social media, writing that while his history differs from the nation’s captain, both are united by the same colors. He added that the anthem must be sung with the heart rather than just the voice. Manager Lionel Scaloni wept openly on the touchline, shedding a solitary tear before his eyes filled completely, according to TyC Sports reporting from the venue.

The Falklands Banner Returns to the Pitch

Accompanying Santana on the field was the exact banner demanding sovereignty over the Malvinas Islands that featured prominently during Argentina’s 2–1 semifinal victory over England at the 2026 World Cup. La Nación reported that the banner originated when a group of fans smuggled a white hotel bedsheet bearing the painted sovereignty claim past security into the Atlanta stadium during the tournament. Following the semifinal win on July 15, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso spotted the makeshift banner in the stands and brought it onto the pitch, where Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez joined him in displaying it.

The display drew immediate global attention and a subsequent disciplinary sanction from football’s governing body. La Nación confirmed that FIFA fined the Argentine Football Association (AFA) $321,000 for violating Article 13 of the Disciplinary Code, which prohibits political statements during official competitions. Despite the regulatory penalty, organizers placed the banner back on the grass of the Monumental for Messi’s final appearance, linking the forward’s departure directly to the nationalist symbol.

Messi Breaks Down Beside His Sons

Lionel Messi attempted to maintain his composure during the musical tribute but ultimately yielded to the emotion of the evening. TyC Sports observed that while the forward typically belts out the national anthem word for word, the magnitude of his final match proved overwhelming. He stood flanked by his three sons—Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro—who joined him on the pitch for the ceremony and comforted their father as tears ran down his face.

The emotional send-off extended beyond the opening whistle, with an extensive entertainment lineup planned for the conclusion of the match. Olé detailed that the post-match schedule features drone displays, fireworks, and musical performances from Soledad Pastorutti, Ulises Bueno, and a special reunion set by cumbia band Grupo Cali alongside singer Sergio Torres—the artist Messi famously identified as his favorite musical act during an interview nearly two decades ago.

Who sang the anthem and why FIFA fined AFA?

Who sang the national anthem at Lionel Messi’s farewell match?

Former Falklands War veteran and musician Fabio Santana performed the Argentine national anthem at Estadio Monumental prior to the kickoff against Benin on October 6, 2026.

Why was the Malvinas banner controversial at the 2026 World Cup?

Players displayed the sovereignty banner on the pitch after defeating England in the 2026 World Cup semifinals, prompting FIFA to fine the AFA $321,000 for violating rules against political demonstrations during matches.

What musical acts performed during the farewell event?

The post-match celebration featured performances by Soledad Pastorutti, Ulises Bueno, and a reunion of Sergio Torres with Grupo Cali, the cumbia group favored by Messi since his youth in Rosario.

Who did the Argentina national team play in this farewell fixture?

Argentina faced the Benin national team in an international friendly match that served as the official ceremony for Messi’s departure from international football.