Buenos Aires gave Lionel Messi a farewell steeped in the emotion of a national monument. Before Argentina’s match at the Estadio Monumental, the captain walked onto the pitch with his children as supporters, former team-mates and members of the current squad joined in a tribute to the player who has defined an era for the Albiceleste.
A Monumental farewell for Argentina’s captain
- Long before kick-off, the stadium filled with banners, messages and tributes for Messi, while many supporters showed the strain of saying goodbye to Argentina’s greatest modern reference point.
- Messi entered the field accompanied by his sons, welcomed by sustained applause around the Monumental.
- A giant Argentina shirt bearing the number 10 was displayed on the pitch, carrying the single word “Thank you”.
- The captain was presented with a trophy and a letter in a further pre-match recognition, ahead of the captains’ meeting involving Benin.
The occasion brought together figures from several chapters of Messi’s international career. Ángel Di María, Sergio Agüero, Guido Rodríguez and Leandro Paredes were among those present, alongside other players who have shared the Argentina journey with him.
Emotion reached the Argentina bench
Lionel Scaloni was visibly moved in the dugout. The coach has overseen the period in which Messi and Argentina collected some of the most significant trophies in the country’s football history, making the pre-match ceremony especially personal for those inside the stadium.
There were tears in the stands as well as among the players and staff. Messi experienced the tribute with his family close by, while a packed Monumental offered its appreciation to the No. 10 before the football itself began.
