Messi honoured on his final Argentina appearance, with Lautaro also in action

A 21-year journey came to an end over the course of one wonderful, emotional night, as the memories and gratitude of millions filled the Monumental and the streets of Buenos Aires. Lionel Andrés Messi Cuccittini took to the pitch for the final time in his career wearing Argentina’s No. 10 shirt and the captain’s armband. It was a long, moving farewell to his people and football fans around the world, who will now have to grow accustomed to a Selección without its brightest star, the player whose magic lit up stadiums and produced legendary moments in every corner of the globe.

Argentina’s friendly against Benin became an endless celebration filled with contrasting moments and emotions. They began on the bus journey to the stadium, with Leo in tears as a sea of Albiceleste supporters escorted the team, and continued with a spine-tingling rendition of the national anthem before kick-off as fireworks lit up the background. A giant No. 10 shirt bearing the word 'Gracias' was spread across the halfway line, while the Benin captain presented Messi with a gift during the pre-match greetings. Every detail was designed to honour him, including the standing ovation he received in the tenth minute.

On the field, all of Argentina shared one objective: to see Leo Messi score. After failing to convert a couple of first-half chances, the No. 10 returned after the break to what he had always done best. He delivered a precise corner for Otamendi, who was also making one of his final Argentina appearances, before providing another assist for Nico Paz’s superb goal. His own moment arrived when he converted a perfect 71st-minute penalty that left everyone inside the stadium, and those watching from home across every time zone, holding their breath. The goal to make it 3-0 was Messi’s 126th for Argentina, an incredible and seemingly unreachable record.

The closest of his current international teammates is Lautaro Martínez, whose two goals during this international window took him to 42 and third place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list. El Toro also started against Benin and remained on the field until he was replaced by Flores (79’). The Inter captain shared in the emotion of Messi’s farewell, having developed as an international under Leo’s wing before becoming a central figure in Argentina’s extraordinary triumphs. Together, they won two Copa América titles, the Finalissima and the legendary 2022 World Cup in Qatar, as well as reaching the final held in the United States in July. El Toro will now be among those expected to lead Argentina into a new era with the personality, leadership and charisma he developed by following Leo’s example.

There was still more emotion to come after the 3-0 victory. A drone show revisited Messi’s greatest moments with Argentina, while teammates, officials and opponents all came to bid farewell to one of the greatest players in history. Music filled the Monumental as several artists performed, before Leo took the microphone. His heartfelt and moving speech thanked the supporters who will love him forever and remembered his father Jorge, who had passed away only recently and, for the first time, was unable to watch him play for Argentina.

At the end of the night, the lights went out and the crowd left the stadium to return home. Yet the emotions of the day, and of the previous 21 years, will never fade.

Thank you, Leo. It has been an honour and a pleasure to watch you all these years.