Lionel Messi retired from international football on Tuesday after leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. The match marked the 39-year-old’s final appearance for the national team, capping a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Fans and Argentina’s national coach shared emotional reactions as Messi exited the pitch for the last time in an Albiceleste jersey. The announcement of his retirement followed the match, with Messi stating in a post-game interview that he already missed playing for Argentina but believed he was making the right decision .
The farewell drew widespread attention, with global media and fellow players acknowledging the end of an era. Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, paid tribute to his career, calling it “a story that will remain forever etched in memories” .
