Tears, Hugs and Applause: Watch Messi’s emotional Argentina farewell

Emotions were high as football great Lionel Messi played his last game for Argentina as they defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires on October 6, 2026.

The legendary player was given a heroic send-off as he was welcomed by a massive crowd while the team bus was heading towards the stadium. Upon seeing the fans cheering him on, Messi became emotional on the bus and was seen wiping away his tears as he watched.

The game started with both sides putting up strong performances, with Benin remaining resilient in their defensive efforts. Messi had a couple of chances, but they were saved by the Benin goalkeeper, while others went wide.

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The Argentine started the second half strongly, with a corner kick from Messi finding Nicolás Otamendi, who scored the first goal. Another assist from Messi saw Nico Paz net the second with a brilliant curling ball, while the former Barcelona star capped off the performance with a penalty goal.

The game was paused momentarily in the 10th minute as fans and other dignitaries cheered Messi on as a sign of honour, while Benin players also hugged him during the moment.

After the game, Messi addressed the fans, thanked them for their support over the years, and wished the national team the best in future competitions. During the game, some players, including Enzo Fernández, and coach Lionel Scaloni were also seen shedding tears.

During Messi’s career with the Albiceleste, he played 208 matches, scored 126 goals, and provided 67 assists. He won four titles, comprising the FIFA World Cup, two Copa América titles, and one Finalissima title.

Watch the videos below:

🇦🇷 | La gran despedida final de Lionel Messi y el adiós a la selección argentina.

"Hoy me toca vivir el día más triste de mi carrera: despedirme de la selección. Ahora me toca acompañar. Los quiero, agradezco a Dios y estoy orgulloso de ser Argentino." https://t.co/NhZbyH4uTb

— Mia 🍋 (@Mialygosa) October 7, 2026

LEO MESSI: "Estoy hablando mas que nunca. No me quiero ir de aca" 😭😭😭 https://t.co/VcpyS1EbVs

— LAUCHA | EL RESUMEN (@ElLauchaOkey) October 7, 2026

Minute 10 tribute for Lionel Messi. 🔟🩵🤍 https://t.co/vUcKILVznI

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 6, 2026

Argentina’s farewell drone show for Messi has got us all in our feels 🥹

A moment he will never forget 🐐🇦🇷

🎥 / @diariohoynet, IG - andresbrollo1, lucasgonz10, evabargiela, gusfor2002, federacchi https://t.co/D7KYwraMUa

— LiveScore (@livescore) October 7, 2026

🇦🇷👑 Leo Messi signing off. 🥲 https://t.co/WyANzd4n6A

— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) October 7, 2026

SB/JKB

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