Football / Monumental Farewell: Lionel Messi Bids Emotional Goodbye to Argentina

Buenos Aires, Oct 7: The Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires transformed into a theatre of history as Lionel Messi stepped onto the pitch for his final act in Argentina’s iconic sky‑blue jersey.

What unfolded was not just a football match but a farewell crafted in triumph, artistry, and emotion — a 3‑0 victory over Benin, crowned by Messi’s own goal and a celebration that blended music, lights, and tributes into a spectacle befitting the greatest player in the nation’s story.

The evening began with a grand show featuring live music, tributes, lights, drones, and artistic displays. Performances by Un Poco de Ruido (UPDR), Sebastián Mendoza, Roman el Original, Santi Cairo, Q’ Lokura, and Damas Gratis electrified the crowd before kickoff.

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Fabio Santana, a veteran of the Falklands War, delivered a stirring rendition of the Argentine National Anthem, setting the tone for a historic night.

On the pitch, Argentina struggled to break down Benin in the first half. But after the interval, Lionel Scaloni’s men found their rhythm. Nicolas Otamendi opened the scoring, followed by Nicolas Paz, who doubled the lead.

Then came the moment fans had been waiting for: Messi, in the closing stages, netted Argentina’s third goal, sealing his farewell with the roar of the Monumental behind him.

After the match, Messi addressed the packed stadium with heartfelt words. “It’s very difficult to say anything, there are so many emotions. The first thing I think about is my dad. All I can do is express my gratitude. Playing for the Argentine national team is the best thing that can happen to you. It was the best thing that ever happened to me,” he said, recalling the celebrations at the Monumental after Qatar 2022.

He praised the unwavering support of fans across the country: “I was lucky enough to travel the country, I was everywhere, and you all always filled the stadium and were with us everywhere. I will always be grateful for that.”

Visibly moved, Messi concluded: “I’m saying goodbye to the National Team, I’m going to miss you all, I’m going to miss it, but now it’s my turn to be on that side.”

The festivities continued after the final whistle with a dazzling display of drones, pyrotechnics, and lights. Soledad Pastorutti and Ulises Bueno closed the night with musical performances, the latter presenting his show “Trampa.”

The celebration ended with Messi’s final message, a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable farewell for Argentina’s greatest icon.

(IANS)