Buenos Aires turned one final Argentina appearance by Lionel Messi into a city-wide farewell, with the Monumental lit by fireworks and emotion spilling from the stands to the touchline.
A farewell built around Messi
The occasion drew an official crowd of 86,000 at the Monumental, although the attendance was believed to be closer to 100,000. Supporters had been singing for hours before kick-off, their chants meeting the sound of the bands as Messi’s family watched from the stadium’s main box.
Benin’s players, struck by the scale of the occasion, repeatedly took out their phones to record the scenes around them. At the centre of the pitch, organisers unfurled a huge Argentina No. 10 shirt carrying the message: “Thank you.”
- Messi emerged from the tunnel holding the pennant as fireworks provided the only light across the pitch.
- His three sons stood alongside him for the national anthem, which was performed in full by Fabio Santana.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni was moved to tears during the ceremony, as was defender Nicolas Otamendi, who was also playing his final match for the national team.
- Messi remained composed before receiving gifts from Benin’s captain, including presents intended for his wife, Antonella.
Tributes across Argentina
The farewell had been anticipated throughout the country for several days. In Rosario, Messi’s home city, a helicopter flew with an enormous Argentina shirt bearing his name.
Buenos Aires’ public transport network joined the tributes with a video that spread widely online, while local and international companies also marked the occasion. River Plate and Boca Juniors were among the major clubs to honour the former Paris Saint-Germain forward.
Messages also arrived from global football figures including Neymar and Ronaldinho. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martinez made his own gesture, shaving an “M” into the back of his hair in tribute to his captain.
