Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina in Emotional Farewell Match

Lionel Messi played his final international match for Argentina on Tuesday night, a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. The occasion was marked by the presence of his family, including his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, their children, and his mother Celia María Cuccittini.

Fans filled the 85,000-capacity stadium in Buenos Aires, with many displaying banners and tattoos in honor of the 39-year-old icon. The Argentine Football Association dubbed the event 'the last tango,' signifying the end of Messi's 21-year international career, during which he scored 125 goals, won two Copa América titles, and secured a World Cup victory.

Messi's sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, accompanied him as he walked out for the match. The game took place nearly two months after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, who died in August at the age of 68. Jorge Messi had been a significant figure in his son's career, serving as his agent and business manager.

Following his father's death, Messi had expressed uncertainty about his future in the sport. "All I ever did was play football, and now I have a fair few doubts as to whether I'll carry on doing it for much longer," he had said. He reflected on the missed opportunity to finish his career alongside his father, noting his father's encouragement to play in the last World Cup. "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone," Messi wrote in a heartfelt message. "It's so hard for me to imagine that I won't see you ever again, that we won't talk anymore."

Despite this emotional farewell to international football, Messi is expected to continue playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. His decision to retire from international duty was announced on August 31, just weeks after Argentina's World Cup final victory in Qatar. In his hometown of Rosario, a giant jersey bearing his number 10 was flown by helicopter to commemorate his career.