Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to devoted Argentine fans during a touching final match in Buenos Aires. As part of a perfectly planned finale, the 39-year-old footballer, considered by many to be the greatest player in history, scored his 126th international goal before an audience of 85,000 spectators while Argentina confidently defeated Benin 3-0.
In his 208th international match, Messi also provided an assist for the first goal scored by veteran Nicolás Otamendi, and he himself scored another goal for Nico Paz. However, the match was merely a backdrop for the main event—the last time Messi could enjoy the crowd's adoration at the Monumental Stadium as part of an event dubbed 'The Last Tango.'
After the game, Messi addressed the fans, stating: 'It has been a huge pride for me to wear this shirt for over 20 years.' He added: 'That I won't play anymore will be very painful. I swear, I would like to play my whole life because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.'
Nevertheless, Messi stated that he does not regret his decision to leave, citing Argentina's grueling World Cup campaign, which took place during his father's serious illness.
He shared his thoughts: 'Even if I want to be here my whole life, I feel that now is the right time. The last World Cup was too hard for me to go through.'
Before the match, Messi wiped away tears as the bus carrying him and his teammates from Argentina moved through crowds of eager fans towards the stadium. Messi took the field alongside his three children and received affectionate greetings from his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cucitti, who watched from the VIP box.
Just before the start of the match, a giant Argentine jersey with the word 'Gracias' (Thank You) written above the number 10 of the football superstar was unfurled on the field, while the crowd cheered approvingly. Messi once again welled up with tears when Falklands veteran Fabio Santana played the national anthem next to a banner that read 'Malvinas son argentinas'—the same banner the players held after the World Cup semi-final against England with a score of 2-1.
The match was paused in the 10th minute—in honor of Messi's famous number—for a minute of applause for the former star of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. He concluded this event with a penalty goal in the 71st minute.
After the final whistle, a drone show lit up the sky above the stadium, displaying an image of Messi and thanking the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner for his career.
Messi's farewell occurred two and a half months after Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey, where he left in tears after minimal participation in the 1-0 loss in the tense game.
At that time, Messi wrote: 'I gave everything; I have nothing more to give, and besides, wonderful young players are emerging who deserve their chance.'
Before the game, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at a ceremony at the headquarters of the Argentine Football Association (AFA). Messi, who had previously spoken about regretting insufficient studies, expressed pride in this recognition, joking: 'To be able to say I am an honorary doctor!'
Outside the AFA headquarters, fans unfurled a huge Argentine flag featuring Messi and the inscription 'Joy of My Life.' Former Barcelona teammate Neymar paid tribute to the departing champion in X, writing: 'Thank you not only Argentina, but the whole world for everything you have done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more.'
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, but following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he announced that he might retire earlier than expected.
Messi's departure comes four years after his greatest triumph in international football, when he led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, ending a 36-year wait for the country's third title and cementing his status as Diego Maradona's heir.
Cecilia Adriano, 52, quoted AFP, saying: 'I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so I am not worried at all about him leaving. He deserved it; let him enjoy it, let him rest.'
During his time playing for the Albiceleste, Argentina won one World Cup, were twice silver medalists (Brazil 2014 and North America 2026), and also won the Copa América title in 2021 and 2024.