Lionel Messi’s last match for Argentina was no ordinary football game. The country’s biggest modern football star was celebrated at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina faced Benin, and the stadium was packed with fans clad in light blue and white, eager to see Messi play for the national team one last time.
Angel Di Maria was also among the major stars present with the Argentine squad, although he did not play; he had announced his retirement from international football following the previous edition of the Copa América. Several celebrities were also in the stands, including legendary French striker David Trezeguet, who was spotted watching Messi warm up before the match alongside his daughter.
A Memorable Night: Highlights of the Evening
As expected, Lionel Messi got his name on the scoresheet one last time. After providing assists for goals by Nicolás Otamendi and Nico Paz earlier in the match, Lionel Messi scored from a penalty kick in the 68th minute, bringing his international goal tally to 126.
The entire stadium erupted in celebration; a spectacular drone show and fireworks display took place, and chants of “Gracias, Leo” (Thank you, Leo) echoed through the packed arena. Witnessing such an outpouring of love, his family members, including his wife, Antonela, were visibly moved.
Ten minutes into the match, officials briefly paused play to honour the historic moment of his final match, allowing the crowd to fully savour the occasion.
On that night, specially arranged for the farewell, Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch of the ‘Monumental’ stadium alongside his sons.
On that night, specially arranged for the farewell, Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch of the ‘Monumental’ stadium alongside his sons. He held back tears during the national anthem, assisted a goal, scored one himself, and kept striving for another right up to the final moments.
Finally, the full-time whistle blew. Fireworks, a giant ‘Number 10’ display, tears, goals, and songs, all were part of that final night. Lionel Messi represented Argentina at the ‘Monumental’ for the last time.
This farewell event followed the announcement of his international retirement. It marked the conclusion of a magnificent career that included 208 matches, a FIFA World Cup title (2022), two consecutive Copa América titles (2021, 2024), and an Olympic gold medal.
His teammate Nicolás Otamendi also shared the spotlight during this night dedicated to honouring Argentina’s ‘Golden Generation’ of players.
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