Buenos Aires, Argentina – On Tuesday, the nation gathered at the Estadio Monumental to witness Lionel Messi’s final appearance in an Argentina jersey. The friendly against Benin, normally a low‑key fixture, became a national homage dubbed “the last tango,” reflecting the deep cultural bond between the soccer icon and his country.
Massive turnout underscores Messi’s impact
More than 85,000 tickets sold out in just 90 minutes, filling the country’s largest stadium. Former teammates, World Cup‑winning squad members and their families were invited to join the tribute, creating a scene of collective gratitude and nostalgia.
Fans and scholars reflect on an era
Valentino Ruso, a 17‑year‑old fan in a Buenos Aires park, summed up the mood: “It feels like an era is ending. I’m sad, and everyone is upset today. He will be missed.” University of Chicago scholar Andrés Rabinovich noted that soccer often offers Argentines a rare source of joy amid economic and political challenges, adding, “Thank God I was born at a time when I could experience the miracle of watching Messi play.”
Messi’s legacy on the field
Over a 21‑year international career, Messi scored 125 goals, captured two Copa América titles and led Argentina to a World Cup triumph in Qatar 2022. His 208th cap marked the end of a chapter that began when he left Rosario at age 13 for Barcelona’s youth academy.
Critics once questioned his patriotism, comparing him unfavorably to Diego Maradona. Yet the 2021 Copa América victory over Brazil and the 2022 World Cup win silenced many doubters, demonstrating how performance can reshape public perception in Argentine soccer culture.
Personal tributes and national symbols
Across the country, murals, documentaries and a 26‑meter statue in Patagonia commemorate Messi’s achievements. In his hometown of Rosario, a giant replica of his No. 10 jersey bearing the word “Gracias” was unfurled in a central plaza. Fans of all ages now wear tattoos of Messi kissing the World Cup trophy, a testament to his lasting influence.
“I’ll never forget it,” said Antonia Correa, a 70‑year‑old kiosk owner who watched the World Cup celebrations in Buenos Aires. “We saw that he wasn’t just an extraordinary player, but an excellent human being.”
What’s next for Messi?
While his international career concludes, Messi will continue with MLS club Inter Miami, where his contract runs through the 2028 season. Coach Lionel Scaloni indicated that the decision on a successor for the No. 10 shirt will be made after the final match.
“I don’t think we’ll have somebody like him again, somebody with that sort of enduring power,” said Pablo Brescia, a professor of Argentine culture at the University of South Florida. “Like Maradona, he’ll be unique—a figure that can’t be repeated.”
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
