Lionel Messi transformed his emotional farewell to the Argentine national team into a remarkable showcase, netting a penalty and providing two assists during a 3-0 victory over Benin in an international friendly held at Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. An adoring crowd of 85,000 fans celebrated the iconic player, who, over a 21-year international career, scored 126 goals and helped secure a World Cup title in 2022, along with two Copa América championships.
Orchestrating the Victory
The scoring opened in the 48th minute with a header from defender Nicolas Otamendi, following a corner kick taken by Messi. In the 61st minute, Messi assisted young star Nicolas Paz, who honored the football legend with a beautiful finish. Just ten minutes later, Messi converted a penalty kick into the top corner, further solidifying his status as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer. The crowd erupted with chants of “Olé, olé, Messi” in his recognition.
Passing the Torch
Although still performing at a high level at 39, Messi announced on August 31 that he would be stepping away from the national team. He concluded his remarkable career with Argentina after 208 matches, illuminated by a stunning fireworks display. Dressed in a specially designed Albiceleste jersey adorned with broader vertical stripes and a golden No. 10, he also wore a tribute to his “Greatest of All Time” label with goat horns integrated into the design.
With just ten minutes into the match, the referee paused the game to pay homage to the legendary captain. Rivals and teammates came to greet him as fans stood in appreciation, and Messi acknowledged the adulation with a wave.
The crowd sang, “Come, come, sing with me, and a friend you’ll find; hand in hand with Leo Messi, we’ll all celebrate the victory.”
From Heartbreak to World Cup Glory
Debuting for the senior national team in 2005 as a successor to Diego Maradona, Messi experienced a journey filled with challenges until finally lifting the World Cup in 2022, which secured his legacy as one of football’s greatest players and a national idol in Argentina.
Surrounded by his sons, Messi became emotional as the Argentine anthem was sung, led by a veteran from the Falklands War. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez comforted him with a supportive gesture.
Devoted Fans and Moving Tributes
“Rather than goodbye, it’s a ‘farewell forever, Captain,’” was the message displayed by fans Rebeca Arias and Daniel Lema on a hat they designed. Traveling over 1,000 kilometers from Tucumán, they decorated the hat with images of Messi from each of the six World Cups he played in.
Arias remarked, “We think this is a unique moment. The journey we made was worth it. Something like this may never happen again with a player.”
In the last World Cup, Messi came close to claiming another title but finished as runner-up after a 1-0 loss to Spain in the final. Nonetheless, his impressive tournament performance—eight goals and four assists—kept him in the running for the Ballon d’Or alongside rising stars Lamine Yamal and Kylian Mbappé. Messi maintains the record as the only player to win the prestigious award eight times.
Messi Receives Honorary Doctorate
Prior to his farewell match, Messi was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Buenos Aires (UBA). The prestigious institution presented the accolade at the national team’s training facility in Ezeiza, honoring his contributions to both the national team and his impact off the pitch.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Fan Take: This farewell signals the end of an era, highlighting Messi’s enormous influence on the game and the culture of football. For soccer fans, his legacy will inspire future generations of players and could pave the way for a new wave of talent to rise in Argentina and beyond.
Source: www.foxsports.com
