Lionel Messi Retires From International Football With Emotional Farewell for Argentina
Lionel Messi brought his 21-year international career to a close on Tuesday, scoring his 126th goal in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires in front of 85,000 supporters. The 39-year-old forward finished with a record 208 international appearances for Argentina, an era that included winning the 2022 World Cup and two Copa America titles.
The Final Farewell in Buenos Aires
The match functioned primarily as a celebration billed as “The Last Tango.” reported that Messi created the game’s opening goal by assisting 38-year-old center-back Nicolás Otamendi in the first half. Nico Paz added the second goal before Messi converted a 71st-minute penalty kick following a foul on Agustin Giay by Tamimou Ouorou. The contest was temporarily paused in the 10th minute to honor Messi’s trademark jersey number with a minute-long ovation from the crowd.
Before kickoff, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. The pre-match atmosphere also featured Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana singing the national anthem beside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine.” Following the final whistle, a drone show illuminated the Buenos Aires night sky with images of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.
Contasting Paths to International Retirement
Messi had previously announced his international retirement in 2016 following a third defeat in a major international final after losing the Copa América Centenario to Chile. That decision was subsequently reversed, leading to another decade of play highlighted by the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar.
The recent farewell arrived two and a half months after Argentina suffered a 1-0 defeat to Spain in the World Cup final in New Jersey. Messi explained at the time that he had nothing left to give and that younger players deserved their chance. Speaking after Tuesday’s match, Messi reflected on his longevity with the Albiceleste. “The first thing I think about is my old man,” Messi said, referencing the death of his father, Jorge, two months prior. “I can only express my gratitude; it was a tremendous honour to wear this jersey for over 20 years.”
Scaloni and Neymar Tribute Messi as Club Career Continues
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni spoke emotionally about managing the departing captain. “It’s been a dream come true. Former Barcelona teammate Neymar posted a tribute on X, stating that the world thanks Messi for everything he did for football.”
While international competition is finished for the veteran forward, his club career remains active. Messi is under contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until 2028, though recent personal circumstances have raised questions regarding how much longer he will continue playing at the club level.
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