Lionel Messi concluded his World Cup journey with Argentina in July, and on Tuesday, he played his final international match, marking the end of an era. The friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires became a heartfelt farewell, allowing fans to celebrate their idol one last time on the field.
The emotional day featured Messi contributing to all three goals in Argentina’s 3-0 victory, with two assists and a final goal. The celebration began earlier, as a helicopter flew a giant replica of Messi’s No. 10 jersey over Rosario, showcasing the nation’s admiration for him. As the Argentine team bus arrived at the stadium, Messi was seen emotional during his last pregame ride with his teammates.
Inside the stadium, the atmosphere was electric as the national anthem played, followed by fireworks celebrating his legacy. The match stopped at the 10-minute mark for more tributes, including a standing ovation and recognition from Benin players. Although Messi had a few near misses early on, he provided excitement during the match, culminating in a brilliant corner that led to Nicolás Otamendi’s opener, followed by another assist for Nico Paz’s goal.
In the 71st minute, Messi sealed the performance with a penalty kick that showcased his signature skill, leaving Dandjinou diving the wrong way. As fans cheered and embraced him during the celebration, Messi remained on the field until the end of the match, contributing to a memorable finale to his international career.
After the game, he was presented with all the yellow and red cards collected during his final outing, and players exchanged hugs as the festivities continued. A drone show celebrated both Messi and Argentina’s triumph in the 2022 World Cup, and as he addressed fans for the last time, he expressed the deep pain of not returning, emphasizing the honor it was to represent his country.
Fan Take: Messi’s retirement from international play is monumental for soccer fans, as he has been a defining figure in the sport for over a decade. His departure not only marks the end of an incredible career but also opens the door for new talent, which could reshape the future of soccer as fans eagerly anticipate the next generation of players.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
