Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina in Emotional Buenos Aires Send-off
The football icon scored and assisted in his final match for La Albiceleste, marking an emotional night with his family present.
Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina in an emotional farewell at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, in front of a sell-out crowd and his family. The iconic number 10 led Argentina to three World Cup Finals, including this past summer's triumph, which ended a 36-year trophy drought.
The evening, described as 'El Ultimo Tango,' was a grand occasion dedicated to honoring Messi. Tears streamed down the face of the football star on the bus and on the pitch before the national anthem, joined by his three sons.
A large tifo displaying an Argentina shirt with 'Gracias 10' was unfurled, and the Argentina players wore gold names and numbers on their shirts, with Messi's 'M' logo replacing the usual Adidas stripes. At the tenth minute, the match against Benin was paused for an ovation, accompanied by fireworks.
Fans hoping for one last moment of brilliance were not disappointed. Messi provided the assist for Argentina's opening two goals and then scored himself to punctuate his international career. In the 32nd minute, he narrowly missed a chance from a pass by Lautaro Martinez. He also had a trademark free kick tipped past the post and another near-chance from Rodrigo de Paul that trickled wide.
Shortly after halftime, Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi, who was also playing his final match for Argentina, for the opening goal. Otamendi was lifted by his teammates in celebration. Later, Nico Paz doubled Argentina's lead with a left-footed shot after a pass from Messi.
The defining moment came in the 69th minute when Argentina was awarded a penalty. Messi stepped up and confidently struck the ball into the top right corner, sparking jubilant celebrations from his teammates and his family in the stands.