A great farewell to a legend. Lionel Messi has retired from the national team

Before the first whistle, a giant T-shirt with the number 10 and the inscription "Gracias" appeared on the pitch, and the stadium was filled with the sounds of solemn music and a riot of fireworks colors. Messi, the team captain, led not only his teammates but also his three sons onto the pitch.

The touching moment was highlighted by the Argentine anthem, sung by Fabio Santana, during which the cameras captured the tears of coach Lionel Scaloni - the coach who led the Albicelestes to triumphs in the Copa America and the 2022 World Cup.

A match full of emotions and football performances

In the 10th minute, the match was stopped so that the fans could pay tribute to their idol.

Messi was extremely active from the beginning - he fired four dangerous shots in the first half, but the Benin goalkeeper was on guard. After the break, the Argentines started attacking, and Messi delivered a precise cross from a corner kick, which was converted into a goal by Nicolas Otamendi. A moment later, Otamendi also said goodbye to the national team.

Messi's goal and tears of emotion

In the 61st minute, Messi made his second assist, and Nico Paz increased the lead with an impressive shot. A moment later, Paz won a penalty kick, which Messi himself probably took advantage of, hitting the very "window" of the goal.

The stadium exploded with joy and Messi's name echoed throughout Buenos Aires. The captain still had a chance to score more goals, but this time he was unlucky.

A spectacular finale

After the final whistle, music rang out in the stadium and more fireworks lit up the sky. Messi said goodbye to the fans with a smile on his face, ending a beautiful international career that had lasted since 2005. Although he is leaving the national team, he is not saying goodbye to football - he will still play for Inter Miami, with whom he has a contract until the end of 2028.