Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career with Argentina to an emotional close on Wednesday morning, South African time, delivering a final masterclass in a 3-0 friendly victory over Benin.
The 39-year-old captain scored once and provided two assists in front of more than 85,000 fans at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium, where his farewell became a celebration of his extraordinary contribution to Argentine football.
The capital was transformed for the occasion, with landmarks illuminated in Argentina’s famous blue and white colours. Inside the packed stadium, supporters sang the national anthem as fireworks lit up the sky.
Overcome with emotion after the match, Messi reflected on more than two decades representing his country.
“It’s hard to talk,” Messi said, with his family watching from the stands alongside members of Argentina’s 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning squads.
He also remembered his late father, who died recently.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to wear this shirt all this time, more than 20 years. Not coming anymore is going to hurt a lot,” Messi said.
“I swear, I’d love to keep coming my whole life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Earlier in the day, Messi’s hometown of Rosario also paid tribute to the football icon, with a giant number 10 shirt bearing the word “Gracias” displayed at the National Flag Memorial.
As Argentina’s team bus made its way from the training centre named after him, Messi was visibly emotional as thousands of supporters lined the streets.
The tributes continued before kick-off, when Benin captain handed Messi a gift and a letter during the pre-match handshake.
After a goalless opening half, Messi played a key role in Argentina’s breakthrough, setting up veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi to score the opening goal.
Otamendi and Messi have shared 17 years together in the national team, including four World Cups, with Otamendi also bringing his international career to an end.
Messi then turned provider again, setting up Nico Paz for Argentina’s second goal. Paz is among the young players being viewed as potential successors to Messi as the national team’s next number 10.
The fairytale ending came when Messi converted a penalty to complete the 3-0 victory and score his 126th international goal.
The goal sparked another huge roar from the Monumental crowd, with supporters repeatedly chanting his name.
When the final whistle sounded, Messi was surrounded by teammates, opponents and the referee, who embraced the departing captain before a drone show illuminated the night sky.
Argentine singer Soledad Pastorutti, known as “La Sole”, then performed her signature song “Brindis” as part of the farewell celebrations.
Messi finishes his Argentina career as the country’s most-capped player, with 208 appearances, and its record goalscorer.
His international journey, which included years of disappointment and criticism, ultimately ended with major honours, including the Copa América and 2022 FIFA World Cup titles.