Grupo Cali Explains Interrupted Show at Lionel Messi’s Farewell Ceremony
The cumbia band Grupo Cali had their presentation interrupted after playing just one song during Lionel Messi’s farewell ceremony with the Argentine National Team at El Monumental on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The unexpected cutoff of the show generated surprise among both the musicians and the public in attendance.
Following the incident, the group’s participation left a brief footprint on a night that also featured musical acts from Soledad Pastorutti and Ulises Bueno. While the performance was halted abruptly, the artists involved later met with the team captain.
Explanation From Grupo Cali
After the event concluded, Grupo Cali published a statement on their social media channels to address why the performance could not proceed as planned. The musicians stated that the show was suspended due to causas de fuerza mayor
and cited cuestiones relacionadas con la organización
that were entirely external to the artists.
The band expressed that there was mucha ilusión y ganas de que la presentación saliera bien,
while offering apologies to anyone waiting for the full spectacle. Despite the truncation of their time on stage, the group confirmed their presence afterward, noting, pero obviamente seguimos en el vestuario
alongside Sergio Torres and Darío Zanco.
Sergio Torres Shares Gratitude
Sergio Torres turned to social media to reflect on the historical occasion, sharing photographs alongside Messi and expressing appreciation for the chance to participate in the captain’s final match with the selection. Gracias, Leo, por la oportunidad de cerrar mi show despidiéndote en tu último partido con la Selección Argentina,
Torres wrote, calling it un momento que voy a guardar para siempre en mi corazón.
The singer further thanked the player for bringing the Argentine flag a lo más alto
and for providing the country with joy. Nos regalaste sueños, emociones y un orgullo que nunca vamos a olvidar,
Torres added, concluding his message with, ¡Gracias, capitán, por tanto! Que Dios te bendiga siempre.
Captain Leads Victory as Musicians Pay Tribute
The evening combined football, music, and references to significant moments in the national team’s recent history. The captain served as one of the standout figures in a 3 to 0 victory against Benin, contributing one goal and one assist. The farewell also featured performances from Soledad Pastorutti, who moved Lionel Messi by singing Brindis
, and Ulises Bueno. Soledad Pastorutti was later seen sharing an embrace with Antonela Roccuzzo as the final whistle blew.
During the halftime interval, Gaspar Benegas, guitarist and vocalist for Los Fundamentalistas del Aire Acondicionado, stepped onto the pitch with his guitar to pay tribute to Indio Solari by performing two Patricio Rey classics: Un ángel para tu soledad
and Ji Ji Ji
. Later, as Lionel Messi exited the pitch while Sergio Torres sang alongside Grupo Cali, a flag was displayed referencing the banner shown by Argentine players following their 2 to 1 victory against England in the semifinals of the United States, Canada and Mexico 2026 World Cup. Supporters in the stands responded with the chant El que no salta, es un inglés
as the ceremony concluded, linking the farewell with the Argentine claim of sovereignty over the Falkland Islands.