4 sourcesUpdated Oct 7, 2026

Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina fans

Lionel Messi concluded his 21-year international career with a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin in Buenos Aires. Scoring a goal and providing assists, he addressed the crowd emotionally before a sell-out Monumental Stadium. The night was filled with tributes and fireworks as Argentina celebrated their greatest player.

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Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to an emotional close in Buenos Aires with a 3-0 friendly win over Benin.1
The match, named 'The Last Tango', saw Messi score one goal and provide two assists.1
More than 85,000 fans packed the Monumental Stadium for his final appearance.2
Before kick-off, a giant Argentina jersey with 'Gracias' was laid out on the pitch, and fireworks illuminated the night as fans sang the national anthem.1
Messi's family watched from a VIP box alongside former World Cup winners.1 2
He wiped away tears during the bus ride to the stadium, where thousands of well-wishers lined up.2
In his speech, Messi expressed gratitude and admitted he did not want to leave the field, with some teammates joining him in tears.4

1 NewsWire English · 2 Hiru News - English · 3 Daily Mirror · 4 Sri Lanka Mirror

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