Lionel Messi wept on the Argentina team bus on Tuesday after being overwhelmed by the emotional reception from supporters ahead of his final international match in Buenos Aires.
The captain was seen wiping away tears with a handkerchief as the team bus made its way toward Estadio Monumental de Núñez, the home stadium of River Plate. Argentina were scheduled to face West African side Benin at 8:00 p.m. local time in a friendly match organized as a farewell fixture for the star forward.
Expectation surrounding Messi's international future had grown significantly following Argentina's defeat in the 2026 World Cup final earlier this year. Although some supporters and commentators speculated he might remain with the squad through to the next World Cup, Messi chose to close his international career after the match.
A historic international career
Messi featured in six World Cup tournaments for Argentina between 2006 and 2026. He led the national side to World Cup glory in 2022 and reached two other World Cup finals, finishing as runner-up in 2014 and 2026. He was also a two-time Copa América champion, lifting the trophy in both 2021 and 2024.
Over his international career, Messi made 208 appearances for Argentina, scoring 126 goals and providing 70 assists. His total of 196 goal contributions gave him an average of nearly one goal contribution per game across two decades with the national team.
Tributes at Estadio Monumental
Widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Messi led Argentina through one of the most successful eras in their sporting history. His 2022 World Cup title in Qatar ended a 36-year wait for the country, marking Argentina's third world championship following earlier triumphs in 1978 and 1986.
Estadio Monumental, situated in the capital city of Buenos Aires, serves as the principal home venue for the Argentina national team. The fixture against Benin, an opponent from the Confederation of African Football, gave thousands of supporters inside the 84,000-capacity arena the opportunity to applaud their long-serving captain in his final appearance.
