Buenos Aires gave Lionel Messi another night at the Monumental, and the Argentina captain marked it with a personal tribute to the supporters who fill River Plate’s home. Before the friendly against Benin, Messi signed an official Argentina shirt bearing his familiar No. 10 and presented it with a message for River’s fans: “To the people of River, with much affection.”
The gesture came during what was described as Messi’s final Argentina engagement at the stadium in Núñez. Rather than addressing the club’s directors or River Plate as an institution, his dedication was aimed specifically at the supporters of the Buenos Aires side.
River shared images of Messi signing the national-team shirt ahead of the Benin match, with the moment quickly drawing attention among the club’s followers.
An honorary distinction in Núñez
River Plate also used Messi’s visit to its stadium to offer a formal recognition. The club named the Rosario-born forward an Honorary Member, celebrating a career that has carried him from Argentina to the summit of world football.
The ceremony carried a particular historical note. Twenty-six years ago, River did not complete the signing of Messi when he was at the beginning of his development. The club set that episode aside as it honoured him in front of the public with whom he has shared so many Argentina occasions at the Monumental.
For River, the distinction recognised both Messi’s professional legacy and the bond he has built with Argentina supporters whenever the national side has played in the stadium. For Messi, the signed shirt ensured that his farewell occasion in Núñez included a direct message to the home crowd.
