Archive · 7 Oct 2026
Messi Tears Up as Argentina Fans Gather for Farewell
Lionel Messi was travelling to a stadium for what the articles describe as his final game for Argentina.
Many fans stood along the road to say goodbye.
They waved flags and held banners as the team bus passed.
Messi looked out of the window and became tearful.
The match was against Benin in Buenos Aires.
His time playing for Argentina had lasted 21 years, starting in 2005.
He had played 207 times and scored 125 goals for the team.
He also helped Argentina win several major tournaments.
One article said more than 85,000 fans were expected inside the stadium.
Lionel Messi was seen wiping away tears on Argentina’s team bus as it travelled to Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium.
Thousands of supporters lined the route, waving Argentine flags and holding banners before his farewell match against Benin.
The articles describe the match as Messi’s final international appearance, ending a 21-year career that began in 2005.
He entered the match with 207 Argentina appearances and 125 goals; one article also reports 68 assists.
Messi helped Argentina win the 2021 and 2024 Copa América titles, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
- Who
- Lionel Messi, Argentina’s national team and supporters.
- What
- Messi travelled to his reported final Argentina international appearance amid a street farewell from fans.
- When
- Before Argentina’s match against Benin; one article says the bus journey was Tuesday, October 6, 2026.
- Where
- On the route to the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
- Why
- Fans gathered to bid farewell as Messi prepared to end his 21-year international career.
Messi’s farewell
Uncertainty and differing emphasis
Whether this was his final appearance
Messi’s farewell
Both articles describe the Benin match as Messi’s final international appearance.
Uncertainty and differing emphasis
The articles provide no opposing account; the farewell status is presented as fact rather than disputed.
How Messi described leaving
Messi’s farewell
One article quotes Messi saying not being with Argentina anymore would hurt and that he would stay for life if he could.
Uncertainty and differing emphasis
The other says he had left international football in peace because he had given everything, without providing the same direct quotation.
- Farewell match
- Argentina vs. Benin
- Venue
- Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires
- International career
- 21 years; debut in 2005
- Appearances and goals
- 207 appearances and 125 goals for Argentina
- Assists
- 68, according to one article
- Expected attendance
- More than 85,000 supporters inside the stadium, according to one article
- Titles cited
- 2021 and 2024 Copa América, 2022 Finalissima and 2022 FIFA World Cup
