Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday with a goal and two assists in a 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, drawing more than 85,000 fans to a farewell celebration officially named The Last Tango.
The evening at the Monumental Stadium marked the final chapter for a player whose relationship with his national team evolved from early friction and heartbreak to historic triumphs. More than 85,000 spectators filled the venue in just 90 minutes of ticket sales, transforming the fixture into a national tribute. Outside the stadium, fans and commercial partners marked the moment on a massive scale, with ticket revenues alone touching an estimated 13 million dollars, according to Forbes Argentina data cited in financial reports. On television, open broadcasts in Argentina drew more than 2.59 million viewers, peaking at 36 ratings points on Telefe by the end of the match.
From Early Tears to the Monumental Stadium Farewell
Messi’s international career began in dramatic fashion in 2005 when he received a red card just two minutes after coming on as a substitute against Hungary, leaving the field in tears. Decades of pressure, final defeats in the Copa América, and a 2016 retirement announcement preceded the turning point under manager Lionel Scaloni.
Global Tributes from Football Legends
Following the final whistle against Benin—where Messi scored from a penalty spot in the 71st minute and added two assists—figures across international football sent public messages. Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo, with whom Messi shared a rivalry across more than 35 head-to-head matches, offered public respect on social media. Former Barcelona teammate Neymar also sent a farewell message.
Leo, many years defending your country, a story that will last forever, all my respect for what you achieved with Argentina, best regards.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal international
Commercial Legacy and the End of an Era
The match crystallized a massive retail footprint. Adidas launched a dedicated farewell collection on September 25 featuring gold details and personal iconography, with player-issue jerseys priced at 259,999 pesos in Argentina. Pre-match gear and commemorative apparel rounded out the release from the German brand.
Inside the Monumental Stadium, as documented by local media outlets, more than 85,000 supporters gave a resounding ovation when Messi took the field with his three children, while his wife Antonela Rocuzzo and mother Celia Cuccittini watched proudly from the presidential suite. Images of Rocuzzo attending the Tiffany & Co. Blue Book 2026 exhibition circulated widely alongside coverage of the historic athletic send-off.
I swear that I would have liked to play my whole life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to anyone. I am here today in the saddest days of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, and goodbye to all of you.
While Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 season, Tuesday night concluded two decades of national team camps, continental finals, and the distinct rhythm of following Argentina’s matches.
