Lionel Messi was given the referee's yellow and red cards as a gift after his final match for Argentina, a 3-0 friendly win over Benin in Buenos Aires. The gesture from Chilean referee Fernando Vejar left fans and even Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe visibly confused.
Emotional farewell at Estadio Monumental
Messi, 39, made his record-extending 208th appearance for Argentina on Tuesday night. He had announced in late August that he would retire from international football following the team's World Cup final defeat to Spain. Before kick-off, Messi was seen wiping away tears as the team coach travelled through the crowd outside River Plate's Estadio Monumental.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner scored a penalty in the 71st minute to make it 3-0, adding to goals from Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz. After the match, Messi delivered a heartfelt speech to the sell-out crowd of 85,000 from the centre circle, with team-mate Enzo Fernandez among those struggling to hold back tears.
Referee's unusual present
At full-time, Vejar approached Messi, shook his hand, winked, and handed him the yellow and red cards from the match. Argentine folk singer Soledad Pastorutti, who performed after the game, was later seen excitedly holding the cards, suggesting Messi was not particularly taken with the gift.
In his speech, Messi said he was at 'peace' with his decision to retire. He thanked the shirt and the fans, saying: 'For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here.' He added that not coming back to play for Argentina 'is going to hurt a lot.'
Tribute to his father
Messi also paid tribute to his father Jorge, who died in August after a long illness. 'The first person who comes to my mind is my dad,' he said. 'I'm going to miss playing here so much. I love you all, and I'm proud to be Argentine. I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything.'
