Hundreds of fans greet Messi's bus before his farewell match

Fans gathered on highways and streets to greet Lionel Messi on his way to his final match for Argentina.

Lionel Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team after the 2022 World Cup.

The friendly match against the Benin national team will be Messi's farewell as part of the Argentine national team.

BUENOS AIRES, October 7 - RIA Novosti. Hundreds of fans gathered on the highways and streets along which eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and 2022 world champion Lionel Messi travels to his last match for the Argentine national team, according to a broadcast by TN TV channel.

People greet the bus carrying Messi and the national team from pedestrian bridges, climb onto the roofs of cars and onto highway medians.

“No one played like him, no one gave us as many vivid emotions as Messi. He is an example for everyone both as a football player and as a person, an absolute example,” the football player’s namesake Lionel told RIA Novosti. He couldn't get a ticket for the match; they sold out in a matter of minutes. “I, like thousands of Argentines, we all want to thank him,” Lionel added with tears in his eyes.

“I would love for Messi to become the coach of the national team, that would be great,” said fan Daniel, in turn.

At the end of August, Messi, who plays for Inter Miami in the North American Major League Soccer (MLS), announced his retirement from the national team. The Argentine said that he made this decision on July 21, two days after the World Cup final. In September, the Argentine Football Association (AFA) called up Messi for a friendly match against the Benin national team, which would be his farewell.