The Associated Press reported that the 39-year-old superstar assisted Nicolas Otamendi’s header shortly after the interval and set up Nico Paz’s curling strike before converting a 71st-minute penalty for his 126th international goal. The match, dubbed “The Last Tango,” served as a national celebration of Messi’s service to the team rather than a conventional contest. Former members of Argentina’s 1978, 1986 and 2022 World Cup-winning squads attended the fixture to pay tribute to the player who secured the 2022 title in Qatar.
More than 85,000 tickets sold out in 90 minutes with some reselling for over $2,500, according to multiple news outlets covering the event. Fans lined the streets leading to the stadium, prompting Messi to wipe away tears as the team bus passed through the crowds. A giant Argentina jersey emblazoned with “Gracias” and the number 10 was laid out on the pitch ahead of kickoff while a minute-long ovation marked the 10th minute in honour of his famous shirt number.
The Guardian detailed how Messi struggled to contain his emotions during the national anthem, performed by a Falklands War veteran, as his three sons stood alongside him. Landmarks across Buenos Aires were lit in the national team’s sky blue and white colours with fireworks illuminating the sky above the stadium. A post-match drone show projected images of Messi’s career as teammates, opponents and officials gathered around him for embraces at the final whistle.
Messi addressed the crowd after the game, saying “The truth is, I’m talking more than I ever have. I don’t want to leave here, I don’t want to leave this field. I just want to tell you that I love you, I’m going to miss you, and I’m grateful to God to be Argentine.” He added that wearing the shirt for more than two decades had been a source of great pride and that not returning would hurt a lot. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had made 208 appearances since his debut in 2005.
Two and a half months earlier, Messi had left the field in tears following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey, a result that preceded his decision to retire from international duty. FIFA data confirms he departs as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer with 126 goals while also claiming two Copa America titles. His international career spanned an era that saw him evolve from a teenage prospect into a world champion.
Messi is set to continue playing club football for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer after earlier spells at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. The occasion brought together supporters in chants of “Messi, Messi” throughout the evening as a banner at midfield declared him the “Eternal Captain.” His farewell closes a chapter for Argentine football that began with his first cap as a 18-year-old in 2005.
