Lionel Messi played his last match for Argentina on Tuesday night. It was an emotional farewell at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. Argentina beat Benin 3-0. Messi scored one goal and set up two others. He also earned his 208th cap for his country.
The match was called “The Last Tango”. It was a chance for fans to say goodbye to the player many call the greatest of all time. About 85,000 people filled the stadium. They came to celebrate Messi’s 21-year international career.
Messi showed his class one more time. He assisted Nicolas Otamendi for the first goal. Then he helped Nico Paz score the second. In the 71st minute, Messi scored a penalty himself. It was his 126th goal for Argentina.
The result was not the main story. The night was about Messi. He struggled to hold back tears as the team bus drove through packed streets. Fans lined the roads to cheer for him. Before the match, he walked onto the pitch with his three children. His wife and mother watched from a VIP box. A giant Argentina shirt with the word “Gracias” and Messi’s number 10 was placed on the field. The crowd loved it.
During the national anthem, a Falklands War veteran sang alongside a banner about the Malvinas. It was a moving moment for the home fans. In the 10th minute, play stopped. That was a nod to Messi’s shirt number. The crowd gave him a minute-long standing ovation. Even the Benin players came over to shake his hand. After the match, a drone display lit up the sky with Messi’s image.
Messi announced his retirement from international football earlier this year. He had said he had “nothing left to give”. The decision came after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain. It was a tough defeat. Messi also lost his father, Jorge, around that time. He took a break from football. He later returned to play for Inter Miami. But he decided his time with Argentina was over.
Before the match, the University of Buenos Aires gave Messi an honorary doctorate. He joked about being called a doctor. Outside the AFA headquarters, fans displayed a huge flag with his face and the words “The joy of my life.”
Football World Pays Tribute to Lionel Messi After Retirement
Neymar was one of the first to share a message. He wrote on Instagram that the whole world thanks Messi for what he has done for football. He said Messi made him love the game even more. He called it an honour to have played against Messi and also alongside him.
Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s Argentina teammate, also shared his feelings. He said Messi helped him grow as a footballer and as a person. He said he became a better father and friend because of Messi. De Paul said he loves Messi like a brother.
Angel Di Maria also paid tribute. He said seeing Messi happy makes everyone else happy. Di Maria said Messi gave everything he had. He thanked Messi for life.
Ronaldinho, who was at Barcelona when Messi first joined, shared a warm message. He said it was a pleasure to be part of Messi’s story from the very first day. He said Messi made people smile and enjoy football. Ronaldinho said they shared the joy of fulfilling a childhood dream by becoming world champions. He told Messi to enjoy life and wished him the best.
Neymar and David Beckham were both present at the farewell match in Buenos Aires. The whole city seemed to be celebrating Messi’s career. Fans lined the streets. The stadium was full. A giant shirt with “Gracias” and Messi’s number 10 was displayed on the pitch. In the 10th minute, play stopped for a standing ovation.
The tributes came from teammates, rivals, and legends of the game. They all thanked Messi for what he gave to football. His farewell was an emotional night for Argentina and for football fans around the world.
FAQs
Q. Who did Argentina beat in Messi farewell match?
A. Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
Q. How many goals has Messi scored for Argentina?
A. Messi scored 126 goals for Argentina.
Q. How many caps did Messi earn for Argentina?
A. Messi earned 208 caps.
Q. How many assists did Messi provide against Benin?
A. Messi provided two assists.
Q. Who paid tribute to Messi after his farewell?
A. Neymar, De Paul, Di Maria, and Ronaldinho paid tribute.
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