Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team

Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Tuesday, making an emotional final appearance for Argentina in front of a packed Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

The 39-year-old forward marked his farewell in perfect fashion, scoring his 126th international goal as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in front of around 85,000 supporters.

Messi Stars in Final Argentina Appearance

Messi, playing his record-extending 208th international match, played a key role in Argentina's victory.

He provided the assist for veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi to open the scoring, while Nico Paz also found the net. Messi then completed the occasion by scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.

However, the result was secondary to the emotional farewell for one of football's most celebrated players.

The event had been billed as 'The Last Tango', giving Argentine supporters one final opportunity to celebrate their captain on home soil.

'It Was a Huge Source of Pride'

After the match, Messi addressed the emotional crowd and reflected on his more than two decades representing Argentina.

"It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years," Messi said.

He admitted that leaving the national team would be painful but said he had no regrets about his decision.

Messi explained that the demanding 2026 World Cup campaign and the difficult personal circumstances surrounding it played a role in his decision.

Emotional Moments Before Kick-Off

The farewell began well before the match.

Messi was visibly emotional as the Argentina team bus travelled through crowds of supporters heading toward the stadium.

He later walked onto the pitch alongside his three children, while his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched from the VIP area.

A giant Argentina shirt carrying the word "Gracias" above Messi's iconic No.10 was displayed on the pitch before kick-off.

The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star became emotional again during the national anthem, which was performed alongside Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana.

The match was briefly stopped in the 10th minute as supporters gave Messi a standing ovation in recognition of his famous shirt number.

The crowd's celebration continued throughout the match before Messi completed his farewell with his penalty goal.

At the final whistle, a drone show illuminated the sky above the stadium with images of Messi and messages celebrating his extraordinary career.

Messi Says He 'Gave It My All'

Messi's international farewell came after Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where the forward left the field in tears following a 1-0 defeat.

Reflecting on his decision, Messi had previously said he had given everything he could to the national team and that younger players deserved an opportunity.

His decision also comes amid personal changes following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028 but has suggested he could retire from professional football earlier than expected.

Honorary Doctorate for Messi

Before the farewell match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate during a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association headquarters.

Messi, who has previously spoken about regretting not studying more, expressed his pride at receiving the distinction.

Fans outside the AFA headquarters also displayed a huge Argentine flag featuring Messi and the words "The joy of my life."

Messi's former Barcelona team-mate Neymar also paid tribute to the Argentine superstar.

Neymar thanked Messi for his contribution to football and said his former team-mate had inspired him to love the sport even more.

A Legendary International Career

Messi's Argentina career included some of the biggest achievements in international football.

He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title, ending the country's 36-year wait for another World Cup triumph and cementing his place among the nation's greatest sporting icons.

During his international career, Argentina also won the Copa America in 2021 and 2024.

Messi's farewell marks the end of an era for Argentina, with the legendary No.10 leaving behind a record of 208 international appearances and 126 goals.