NEWS
The Farewell of a Legend! Messi's Last Dance for Argentina
After 21 years with the national team, Lionel Messi has worn the "Albiceleste" jersey for the final time, celebrating an emotional farewell.
Argentina's record-breaking player Lionel Messi has emotionally concluded his national team career with a fitting 3-0 victory.
85,000 spectators were present live at El Monumental, the stadium where Messi never lost a single game throughout his entire national team career. Emotions ran high even before kickoff, as "La Pulga" was escorted onto the field by his three sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. When the anthem played, tears flowed from Messi for the first time that day.
After ten minutes, the game was paused. The 208-cap national team player was celebrated with a standing ovation, high-fiving his teammates and opponents alike.
Involved in All Goals
On the field, the Argentine national team won 3-0. Messi once again showcased his class, providing assists for Otamendi's opening goal (48') and Paz's second goal (61'). With a penalty goal in the 71st minute, Messi scored his 126th goal, marking his final goal contribution for the "Albiceleste".
Referee Fernando Vejar made a curious gesture of honour, presenting Messi with his yellow and red cards as a souvenir after the final whistle.
After the match, illuminated drones appeared in the night sky above the stadium, depicting Messi's image holding the World Cup trophy. With Argentina, he won the World Cup in Qatar in 2022, as well as the Copa América in 2021 and 2024.
