Lionel Messi struggled to hold back tears during Argentina’s national anthem ahead of his final match for the national team.
The emotional scenes unfolded at a packed Monumental Stadium, where Argentina faced Benin in Messi’s farewell appearance.
The 39-year-old’s eyes filled with tears as a Falklands War veteran performed the national anthem.
Messi stood alongside his teammates with his three children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, embracing them as he listened to the anthem.
The emotion was evident throughout the Argentine team, including head coach Lionel Scaloni.
Tribute to Argentina’s No. 10
Ten minutes into the match, play was stopped for a special tribute to Messi.
Fireworks lit up the Buenos Aires sky in honour of Argentina’s legendary No. 10 as supporters once again gave him a standing ovation.
Players from the opposing team also approached Messi to greet him during the tribute, marking another emotional moment in his final appearance wearing the Argentina shirt.
🇦🇷Así sonó el Himno Nacional en la despedida de Messi de la Selección Argentina 🎙️El excombatiente de Malvinas, Fabio Santana, estuvo a cargo de la interpretación en el Monumental. https://t.co/X25KX6pRX6
— Filo.news (@filonewsOK) October 6, 2026
