Argentina Fans Pack Buenos Aires for Lionel Messi's Final International Match
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi plays his 208th and final match for Argentina at age 39 against Benin.
- The 21-year international career includes 125 goals, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 World Cup.
- All 85,000 tickets at Estadio Monumental sold out in 90 minutes for the event dubbed 'The Last Tango'.
Tens of thousands of fans flooded the streets of Buenos Aires on Tuesday ahead of Lionel Messi's final appearance for Argentina. The 39-year-old icon is set to conclude a historic 21-year international career in an exhibition match against Benin at the Estadio Monumental. Dubbed 'The Last Tango' by the Argentine Football Association, the fixture sold out all 85,000 tickets within 90 minutes as supporters gathered hours before kickoff, setting off flares and unveiling massive banners across the capital.
The farewell contest marks Messi's 208th cap for his country, capping off an international tenure that produced 125 goals, two Copa America titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. In his hometown of Rosario, a giant number 10 jersey was flown by helicopter in tribute. Opponents also joined the reverence; Benin centre-back Tijani Mohamed told local broadcaster C5N: "You don't mark Messi. We are just going to enjoy this match. I'm going to look at him like this: 'Messi, you are God.'"
Messi officially announced his international retirement on August 31, following Argentina's defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final at MetLife Stadium near New York. Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni rested the veteran playmaker during recent friendlies against Bolivia and Burkina Faso to ensure he reached full fitness for his national team swansong. The forward cemented his legacy four years prior in Qatar, ending Argentina's 36-year wait for a world championship.
While Messi departs the international arena, he will continue his club career with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Members of the 2022 World Cup-winning squad and their families were invited to participate in the post-match ceremony at River Plate's stadium, with nationwide celebrations expected to continue late into the night.
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