Like Messi was seen off in Argentina. Video
Lionel Messi played his last game for Argentina. On this day, crowds of fans took to the streets of Argentine cities, and during the game they were empty
On the night of October 7, Lionel Messi played the last match for Argentina. In a friendly game, the finalists of the World Cup-2026 met with modest Benin (93rd place in the FIFA ranking).
In the tenth minute, the game was suspended for Messi.
The meeting ended 3-0 in favor of the Argentines. Messi made two assists and a goal from the penalty put an end to the match.
Before the match, crowds of fans took to the streets of major cities, including Buenos Aires, where the match took place.
A string of people lined up along the route of the bus with the national team players. Some fans arranged a run for the bus. Messi felt at this reception and cried on the bus.
In Rosario, Messi's hometown, fans gathered near the venues where the match was watched. The footballer’s childhood home was covered with flags of Argentina, while the fans wrote in large letters: “Thank you.”.
The city also launched a giant t-shirt of the Argentine national team with the tenth number and the inscription “Thank you”.
Similar slimmed-down jerseys appeared in many cities, as well as at the crowded 85,000-seat stadium Monumental, where the game against Benin was played.
During the match, the streets of Buenos Aires and Rosario were empty.
