Lionel Messi ends Argentina career with emotional farewell in Buenos Aires

Lionel Messi's farewell was built around one final appearance for Argentina, a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires on October 6. It ended a 21-year international career, according to Adda247 Current Affairs and the Guardian.

The occasion was also a football match, and Messi supplied much of Argentina's attacking output. He scored a goal and provided two assists in a 3-0 victory, Le Monde reported.

The October 6 send-off combined the match with a public celebration. Fireworks, family and drones marked Messi's final appearance in Argentina's colours, according to NBC News. ABC subsequently showed the drone display staged in his honour.

On October 7, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni described the farewell as an emotional day. Al Jazeera reported his response under a headline describing Messi as "irreplaceable".

Messi then shared his feelings on Instagram. On October 7, L'Équipe reported that he already missed wearing Argentina's shirt, while Adnkronos reported that he nevertheless believed he had made the right decision.

Cristiano Ronaldo's response became another part of the farewell. Times of India reported on October 8 that Ronaldo paid tribute to Messi's achievements and expressed respect in a social media post.

The celebration also drew less flattering follow-up coverage. On October 8, Indian Express reported a coach's claim that Argentina had refused Benin players selfies with Messi. That remains an attributed claim in the supplied coverage, rather than an independently established account.

Messi has retired from international football, not from club football. Inter Miami coach Cristian "Kily" González urged MLS fans to enjoy Messi's remaining time with the club, while saying Argentina would miss him, ESPN FC reported on October 9.

There is also a limit to how Argentina can commemorate him through his shirt number. CNN Brasil reported on October 9 that FIFA rules prevent the Argentine Football Association from permanently retiring the number 10.

The next scheduled step is a return to club competition. Infobae reported that Inter Miami would host DC United on October 10, with kickoff set for 20:30 Argentina time. Al Jazeera also previewed Messi's return following his Argentina farewell.

The supplied coverage does not include the result of that match. For now, the distinction is clear: Messi's Argentina career has ended, while his playing career with Inter Miami continues.