Messi, 'Bursting into Tears' from the Bus → Emotional Dokdo, Teammates Also Wept... 1 Goal and 2 Assists in National Team Farewell Match, Argentina Secures 3-0 Victory

*This content was translated by AI.

It was a final night befitting "the God of Football," Lionel Messi (Inter Miami).

Argentina secured a 3-0 victory in an international friendly against Benin held at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the 7th (Korean time).

This match was not merely a friendly. It was the final game in which Messi, who had served as a symbol of Argentina for over 20 years, played wearing the national team uniform.

Emotions welled up even before arriving at the stadium.

Messi shed tears while traveling from Ezeiza to the Monumental Stadium aboard the national team bus. Numerous fans holding Argentine flags gathered around the bus, accompanying Messi on his final journey.

Local media Noticias Argentina reported, "Messi shed tears inside the Argentine national team bus as it headed to the stadium for his farewell match against Benin that night."

The outlet added, "From the moment the national team bus departed, numerous fans surrounded the vehicle convoy," explaining, "Messi was overcome with emotion at the prospect of leaving the Argentine national team and shed tears."

The Monumental Stadium was also filled early on with fans eager to see Messi. The media reported, "The stadium gates opened at 4 p.m., and the surrounding area was already bustling with numerous fans before that time."

It was a moment when the reality of putting down the sky-blue and white uniform he had worn for 21 years truly sank in.

Emotions did not easily subside even at the stadium.

Messi entered the field accompanied by his three sons, and shed tears again as the Argentine national anthem played.

It was not only Messi who wept. Lionel Scaloni, the manager, who has led Argentina since 2018 and created a golden era alongside Messi, could not contain his emotions while listening to the national anthem. Argentine teammate Enzo Fernandez (Manchester City) also choked up.

More than 85,000 fans who filled the Monumental that day also accompanied Messi through his final moments.

Before the match, legendary Argentine singer Sergio Torres took the stage.

This was also a surprise event for Messi. Noticias Argentina introduced, "Sergio Torres performed with Dario Sankoff in 'Los Calles,'" adding, "Los Calles is a group that Messi particularly liked and is known to have enjoyed listening to whenever he was called up to the national team."

The match was briefly suspended in the 10th minute of the first half. It was a special moment to commemorate the number 10 jersey, which Messi had worn for a long time.

When the referee stopped the game, spectators all rose from their seats and chanted Messi's name. Benin players also approached Messi to congratulate him on his final stage.

Messi remained an ace even in his final match.

Argentina ended the first half with a 0-0 draw, but firepower exploded centered around Messi in the second half.

In the 3rd minute of the second half, Messi assisted Nicolas Otamendi (River Plate) for the opening goal. It was Messi again in the 16th minute of the second half. This time, he assisted Nico Paz (Como) for an additional goal.

And in the 26th minute of the second half, he scored directly. Stepping up as the kicker from a penalty kick won by Argentina, Messi calmly shook the net. It was his final goal in his last national team match.

Argentina secured a 3-0 victory as it stood. With 1 goal and 2 assists, Messi was involved in all three of Argentina's goals. Football statistics media FootMob awarded Messi the highest rating among both teams at 9.3.

Special scenes continued even after the match ended. Benin players approached Messi to offer their final farewells, and even the referee who officiated the match sought out Messi to exchange parting words. Argentine teammates, as well as opposing players and referees, celebrated together the end of a footballer who represented an era.

According to football media 433, Messi took the microphone and said, "I am simply grateful for this uniform. Even during the hardest moments over the past 20 years, I did not stop fighting and kept moving forward. I poured out everything I had, and I always wanted to be here."

He continued, "Not being able to play with the Argentine national team and not being able to play for Argentina will hurt a lot," revealing his affectionate feelings by adding, "If it were up to me, I would want to stay here forever. Because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing. I wish this moment would never end."

With this day, Messi concluded his 21-year journey with the Argentine senior national team. After making his A-match debut in a friendly against Hungary in August 2005, he played in 208 matches wearing the national team uniform up to his final match against Benin. The number of goals he recorded during this period was a whopping 126. This is the all-time record for most goals scored by an Argentine national team player.

Additionally, Messi added 2 assists in the match against Benin, bringing his total assists to 70. He etched his name into the history of the Argentine national team in terms of appearances, goals, and assists.

Above all, championship trophies completed Messi's national team career. After a long wait, he claimed his first senior national team major title at the 2021 Copa America, and finally lifted the World Cup trophy at the 2022 Qatar World Cup. He also reached the top at the 2024 Copa America, leading Argentina's golden era.

His skills remained intact even after turning 39. Messi led Argentina to the final in the 2026 North and Central America World Cup as well, decorating his last World Cup stage.

Even in his final match, Messi racked up 1 goal and 2 assists, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory. He put a period on his 21-year national team journey in the most Messi-like way possible.

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*This content was translated by AI.