Lionel Messi’s final appearance in the Argentina jersey turned El Monumental into a grand celebration. Nearly 90,000 fans stayed to bid farewell to the captain of the “Pumas” during a night filled with tears, songs, fireworks, a stunning drone show, and an emotional speech from Messi himself.
After the final whistle, Messi’s teammates embraced him while players from Benin queued to take pictures with the Argentine star. Even the referee made a point to commemorate the occasion by presenting Messi with his cards and shaking his hand.
A spectacular drone display followed over El Monumental, recreating memorable moments from Messi’s career with the national team, including his first goal, various celebrations, and the iconic moment of him lifting the World Cup trophy.
Emotions ran high in the stands, with many supporters in tears as chants of Messi’s name echoed for minutes after the final whistle.
The evening continued with an artistic performance by Soledad Pastorutti, who Messi embraced after her performance.
Leo Messi: “Playing for Argentina is the greatest thing that has happened in my life”
Then came the highly anticipated moment. Overwhelmed with emotion but smiling, Messi took the microphone for his final speech as a player for the Argentine national team, while coach Lionel Scaloni watched with tears in his eyes. “It’s hard to say something. I have strong emotions; many things have happened tonight. Thank you. I played for 20 years for the national team of Argentina. I never stopped fighting. Playing for Argentina is the greatest thing that has happened in my life.
We were very close to fulfilling a nation’s dream again and becoming world champions. I gave everything. It was a stressful competition for us, especially the match against England,” said the Argentine superstar.
Messi struggled to continue his speech as his teammates and the tens of thousands of fans interrupted him with chants. Cameras captured the emotional reactions of both his mother and wife in the stands.
“I don’t want to leave the field”
I gave everything for this jersey. That’s what I, along with my teammates, have done, and I’m sure they will continue to do the same. I thank my teammates. We were world champions, won the Copa America, and the Finalissima. I am proud to be part of this collective. I’ve been surrounded by lions! Perhaps I forgot some things I wanted to say. Thank you for all the support from all over Argentina. I am grateful for everything I have experienced. You have always been with us. Here I lived one of the most beautiful nights of my life, the first match played after the 2022 World Cup. Thank you very, very much. I will miss you, the national jersey, but you must continue to support these young guys. We will always be united. When we are united, we are stronger than anyone. I was part of an extraordinary group, that’s why we won everything we won. The truth is that tonight I spoke more than ever. I don’t want to leave the field. I am proud to be Argentine and to have spent so many years with you. I love you!” – Leo Messi after his farewell match, where he scored once and provided two assists.
During the speech, several Argentine internationals struggled to contain their emotions, with Enzo Fernandez being the most affected, crying throughout his captain’s address.
In the end, solemnity gave way to one last celebration. Argentina’s players formed a circle around Messi, singing and jumping with him as fireworks lit up the sky in Buenos Aires.
“Messi! Messi! Messi!” resonated from nearly 90,000 voices. In the midst of it all, Leo celebrated with his teammates, while Lionel Scaloni discreetly observed the scene from the sidelines.
The festivities at El Monumental continued with another musical moment led by Ulises Bueno as Messi took a “lap of honor” around the stadium.
Finally, accompanied by his family, Messi headed towards the locker rooms, marking the end of an era for Argentina.
