Messi ended his 21-year international career with a goal and two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 before more than 85,000 fans in Buenos Aires.
At age thirteen Lionel Messi joined FC Barcelona’s youth system after leaving his hometown of Rosario. The Argentine Football Association had been slow to bring him into its youth setup and Messi was not selected for the 2003 U-17 World Cup. It took time for the AFA to officially acknowledge Messi with some confusion even arising over his name during early recruitment efforts.
He eventually made his debut for the U-20 national team in 2004 though many remained skeptical about his role with the senior squad. Critics questioned his ability to perform at the international level especially after failing to match his club success. But his performance in major tournaments began to change public opinion particularly with the Copa América victory in 2021.
That win helped silence his detractors and solidified his status as a national hero. Messi’s World Cup triumph in Qatar the following year sealed his legacy in Argentina. The celebration was massive with millions of Argentines taking to the streets to honor him.
Now at age thirty-nine Messi is retiring from international play after twenty-one years with the national team according to NBC Sports. This farewell match against Benin was his last appearance for Argentina. The game took place at the iconic Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires where more than 85,000 fans gathered for the farewell.
Messi entered the field accompanied by his three sons with fireworks and chants greeting him as he walked onto the pitch. Fans gave him a standing ovation calling out his name and showing their admiration for his career. The match had deep emotional significance for many Argentines who have followed Messi’s journey since childhood.
Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 with Messi scoring a penalty and providing two assists.
Some fans still remember the early years when Messi was seen as an outsider who had never played professionally in Argentina. The comparison to Diego Maradona — the legendary figure of Argentina’s 1986 World Cup win — was often made. But with his World Cup triumph in 2022 Messi finally met the standard set by Maradona in the hearts of many fans.
Argentina’s manager Lionel Scaloni was visibly emotional during the match according to a report from Yahoo Sports. Scaloni once played alongside Messi with Argentina and later coached him. He had previously joked about being called “La Llorona” for his tendency to cry during emotional moments.
Scaloni’s reaction reflected the deep connection between him and Messi both personally and professionally. Messi’s departure marks a turning point for Argentina’s national team even though they remain competitive in future tournaments. Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals.
Despite the sadness many believe this chapter of Messi’s career has come to a fitting close. Messi will continue playing professionally with Inter Miami through at least the end of the 2028 MLS season. His legacy in Argentina however is now complete and deeply cherished by the nation.
The farewell match was not just a game but a celebration of one of soccer’s greatest careers. Tributes honoring Messi appeared across Argentina in the days surrounding the match. The iconic Obelisk in Buenos Aires was lit up in the colors of Argentina’s flag during the farewell.
This final goodbye to the national team is not just about a player leaving but also about a generation of fans saying thank you. Messi’s journey from a shy boy in Rosario to a global icon has been one of the most compelling stories in sports history.
His impact on soccer and Argentine culture will be felt for years to come.
IMAGE: Hossein Zohrevand Creative Commons Attribution 4.0