Lionel Messi took to the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on Tuesday evening for one final game alongside Argentina. Sporting the country’s blue-and-white Albiceleste jersey, Messi led the team to a 3-0 win over Benin in a friendly match.
Fans watching the game, many in tears, expressed their gratitude for Messi’s “epic era” and the national pride he brought to Argentina.
“Messi is an idol,” Emilia Ojeda said from outside the stadium. “He did something that is quite rare here in Argentina, which is unite all Argentinians. Whoever you meet in the street, we’re united by the love and pride of Messi and how he represents Argentina.”
Though the icon is saying goodbye to his home country’s team, his soccer career isn’t coming to an end. He is scheduled to continue playing with Inter Miami CF through at least December 2028, when his contract is set to end.
