Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team
Lionel Messi officially retired from international football following a final match for Argentina against Benin. The event was marked by emotional tributes and a 3-0 victory for the national team.
Why it matters
Messi is widely considered one of the greatest athletes in history, and his retirement marks the end of a significant era in global sports.
The match was halted in the 10th minute – in tribute to Messi’s famous shirt number – for a minute-long ovation.
Listen BUENOS AIRES – Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career on Oct 6, 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 football player in history signed off with his 126th international goal in front of 85,000 supporters as Argentina cruised to a 3-0 victory over Benin.
Messi, playing in his record-extending 208th international, also provided the assist for the opening goal scored by veteran Nicolas Otamendi, with Nico Paz also scoring.
Also covering this story
16 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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