Lionel Messi ended his glorious 21-year international career with Argentina on a memorable note, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a 3-0 victory over Benin in his farewell match at the Monumental Stadium.
More than 85,000 fans packed the stadium to witness Messi’s last dance in the Albiceleste jersey. It was an emotional night filled with tributes, tears, and celebrations.
Messi and head coach Lionel Scaloni were both seen getting emotional during the national anthem, while fans paid tribute to their beloved hero by singing the iconic anthem ‘Muchachos’.
In a special tribute, the match was stopped in the 10th minute to honor Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey, with the entire stadium giving him a standing ovation for one minute.
The stadium echoed with chants and fireworks, and a drone show was also held at the end of the match to pay homage to the legend.
On the field, Messi was at his brilliant best. He assisted Nicolas Otamendi for the first goal and then set up Nico Paz for the second. In the 71st minute, he converted a penalty to make it 3-0, which was his 126th goal for Argentina. At 39, Messi retires as Argentina’s most-capped player and all-time top scorer with 208 appearances and 126 goals in 21 years.
He leaves after winning two Copa América titles and the FIFA World Cup 2022 with Argentina. Messi had announced his retirement from international football at the end of August. While his journey with Argentina has come to an end, he will continue to play club football for Inter Miami.
The Monumental Stadium, where he achieved numerous milestones with the national team, will remain one of the most memorable venues of his career. As fans bid an emotional goodbye to their national hero, a golden chapter of Argentine football came to a close.
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