Lionel Messi bids farewell to Argentina national team

Lionel Messi has played his final match for the Argentina national team in a farewell event held at the Estadio Monumental. The match, a 3-0 victory against Benin, served as a celebration of the captain's two-decade career, which includes winning the 2022 World Cup and multiple Copa América titles.

The event was marked by significant logistical and organizational challenges. A drone show intended to honor Messi drew criticism after a sponsor's logo appeared before the player's images, and the display caused temporary flight restrictions at Aeroparque, leading to delays for commercial aircraft. Additionally, the production company, Marketing Sports, and River Plate faced mutual accusations regarding technical failures and the lack of adequate LED screens for the ceremony.

On the pitch, the atmosphere was emotional, featuring tributes from coach Lionel Scaloni and musical performances. However, the Benin delegation expressed dissatisfaction, with coach Gernot Rohr noting that strict security measures prevented his players from exchanging jerseys or taking photos with Messi. Despite the celebrations, FIFA regulations mean Argentina cannot officially retire the number 10 jersey for international competitions.