Messi ends Argentina career with emotional farewell, then scores for Miami

Lionel Messi's international farewell came on October 6 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Argentina beat Benin 3-0 in a friendly, bringing his 21-year national-team career to an end, according to Adda247 Current Affairs.

It was a farewell with a final performance to match. Messi scored a goal and supplied two assists, Le Monde reported, as Argentina's supporters said goodbye to him in an emotional final appearance.

The October 6 match combined football with a large public tribute. Fireworks, family and a drone display marked Messi's final appearance in Argentina's colours, according to NBC News. ESPN FC reported that the night also included a farewell speech and tears.

On October 7, Argentina's head coach Lionel Scaloni described it as an emotional day, with Al Jazeera presenting his farewell to an "irreplaceable" Messi. Messi then shared his own emotions on Instagram. L'Équipe reported that he already missed wearing Argentina's shirt, while nu.nl said his post honoured Diego Maradona.

Cristiano Ronaldo also responded to the farewell. Coverage published on October 8 by Times of India Top Stories described a social media tribute expressing respect for Messi's achievements and the lasting history he had made.

Not every account of the occasion was celebratory. On October 8, Indian Express reported a coach's claim that Argentina had refused Benin players selfies with Messi. That remains an attributed complaint in the supplied coverage, rather than an established account of what happened.

Attention then turned to how Argentina could preserve his legacy. On October 9, CNN Brasil reported that FIFA rules prevent the national team from permanently retiring his number 10 shirt.

Messi's retirement is from international football, not from playing altogether. Four days after his Argentina farewell, he scored twice for Inter Miami in a 4-0 home win over DC United, ESPN FC reported on October 11. Infobae also reported the two goals and the result.

His club coach has urged supporters to appreciate the time that remains. Inter Miami coach Cristian "Kily" González said Argentina would miss Messi and encouraged MLS fans to enjoy his continuing club career, according to ESPN FC. The latest match has already given them another reason to do so.