Lionel Messi bids tearful farewell to Argentina after 3-0 win over Benin | Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in an emotional final appearance for the former world champions in Buenos Aires.

In a perfectly scripted finale, the 39-year-old widely regarded as the greatest footballer in history scored his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 fans as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin.

Messi, playing in his record 208th international match, also provided the assist for the opening goal scored by veteran Nicolás Otamendi, with Nico Paz also scoring.

But the match was just a footnote to the occasion itself, which saw Messi savor one last time the adulation of the Monumental Stadium crowd for an event that had been billed as the Last Tango.

Earlier, Messi wiped away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina teammates passed through crowds of well-wishers en route to the stadium.

Messi entered the field alongside his three children and received affectionate greetings from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who watched from a VIP box.

Shortly before kick-off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” (Thank you) above the soccer superstar’s number 10 was laid out on the pitch as the crowd roared their approval.

Messi woke up again as Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana sang the national anthem next to a banner that read – “The Falklands are Argentina” – the same banner held up by the players after their 2-1 World Cup semi-final victory over England.

The match was interrupted in the 10th minute – in homage to Messi’s famous jersey number – for a one-minute ovation for the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star.

He capped the occasion with a penalty goal in the 71st minute.

“I gave everything”

At the final whistle, a drone show lit up the night sky above the stadium, showing Messi’s image and thanking the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for his career.

Messi’s farewell came two-and-a-half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi walked out in tears after making little impression in an ill-tempered 1-0 defeat.

“I gave everything; I have nothing more to give, and what’s more, there are great young players coming through and who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote at the time.

Before Tuesday’s match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the headquarters of the Argentine Football Federation (AFA).

Messi, who has in the past expressed his regret for not having studied more, expressed his pride at the distinction.

“To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor! “, he joked.

In front of the headquarters of the Argentine Football Federation, supporters unfurled a huge Argentine flag with his image inscribed “The joy of my life”.

Former Barcelona teammate Neymar paid tribute to the outgoing champion on X.

“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you have done for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” he said.

Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father Jorge two months ago, he revealed he might hang up his boots for good sooner than expected.

Messi’s departure comes four years after his greatest triumph in international football, leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup, ending the country’s 36-year wait for a third title, cementing his status as Diego Maradona’s heir.

“I think Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He more than deserved it, let him have fun, let him rest,” Cecilia Adriano, 52, told AFP.

During his time with the Albiceleste, Argentina won a World Cup, were runners-up twice (Brazil 2014 and North America 2026) and were also crowned Copa America champions in 2021 and 2024.