A friendly against Benin at Monumental Stadium marked Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina. Supporters traveled to the capital from across the country to see their captain.
Thousands of fans traveled to Buenos Aires for Lionel Messi’s farewell match with Argentina. The friendly against Benin took place at Monumental Stadium on Oct. 6 and was the 39-year-old captain’s final appearance for the national team, according to the Argentine Football Association and The Associated Press.
Some supporters made long journeys for the game. Public employee Walter Miguel traveled from Córdoba province after a 12-hour bus ride, while fan Agustín Zarcos came alone from Mendoza. They told CNN Brasil they felt both sadness and gratitude for Messi’s years with the team.
Fan Emiliano Nicolás Molina, dressed as Argentine independence hero José de San Martín, called Messi “a kind of family member whom we love and who gave everyone a lot of joy.” Messi made 207 appearances and scored 125 goals for Argentina, winning two Copa América titles, a World Cup and the Finalissima.