Lionel Messi has officially closed the Argentina chapter of his remarkable international career, leaving the pitch in Buenos Aires to an emotional farewell from nearly 85,000 fans.

The 39-year-old superstar marked his final appearance for Argentina with a goal and an assist as the world champions defeated Benin 3-0 in an international friendly at the Monumental Stadium on Tuesday.

Playing his record 208th international, Messi set up Nicolas Otamendi for the opening goal before Nico Paz added another. Messi then converted a penalty in the 71st minute to score his 126th goal for Argentina.

The match itself was overshadowed by the significance of the occasion. Dubbed “The Last Tango”, the farewell featured a series of tributes to the No. 10, including a minute-long ovation in the 10th minute and a giant Argentina shirt bearing the word “Gracias”.

Messi was visibly emotional even before kick-off. He wiped away tears while travelling to the stadium with his teammates and later walked onto the pitch with his three children. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and mother, Celia Cuccittini, watched from the VIP section.

The emotional moments continued during the national anthem, when Falklands War veteran Fabio Santana performed alongside a banner reading “The Malvinas are Argentine”.

After the final whistle, a drone display illuminated the Buenos Aires sky with Messi’s image and a message thanking the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner for his contribution to football.

Messi’s international retirement comes after more than two decades with Argentina. During that period, he helped the country win the 2022 World Cup, ending a 36-year wait for the title, and also lifted the Copa America in 2021 and 2024. Argentina were runners-up at the 2014 and 2026 World Cups.

Before his farewell match, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate at the Argentine Football Association headquarters. He joked about the honour, saying he was proud to be able to call himself an honorary doctor.

Tributes also came from former Barcelona teammate Neymar, who said the world should thank Messi for everything he had done for football.

Messi remains contracted to Inter Miami until 2028, but his long-term future as a professional player is uncertain. Following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he has indicated that he could consider ending his playing career sooner than expected.

For Argentina, however, the end of Messi’s international journey is already a defining moment. After 21 years, the era of the iconic No. 10 has come to a close.