Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 victory over Benin in Buenos Aires, prompting an outpouring of tributes from media outlets around the world. The 39-year-old created the first two goals, assisting Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz, before scoring a 71st-minute penalty at River Plate's Estadio Monumental.
As Messi addressed the 85,000 crowd after the match, he broke down in tears and said he did not want to leave the field. The emotional night in Buenos Aires was marked by tears, fireworks and tributes, including a drone show after the game.
Spanish media lead the tributes
Spanish media devoted blanket coverage to Messi's swansong, which was given more prominence than the country's 2-1 win in Croatia. An editorial in AS read: "One day, legend will tell that Messi left Argentina forever, that his Albiceleste blood stopped flowing, that the number 10 he wore for over two decades is now orphaned and empty."
SPORT wrote: "The wounds of the last World Cup, in which they fell in the final to a Barcelona-influenced Spain, have healed. And the Argentine fans, and the players themselves, displayed maturity on a night of exquisite taste in every aspect." Marca called it "the farewell of all time" as it referenced the tears of a nation.
Reaction from rivals and beyond
Tributes also came from Argentina's South American rivals Brazil, with Globo saying: "This unforgettable Tuesday featured a stunning penalty goal. No, that's not an exaggeration. Messi shot into the top left corner, while Dandjinou dove to the other side."
In France, L'Equipe reported: "Surrounded by all his teammates, he danced and greeted his family, perched in a box at the Monumental, a stadium as joyous as it was nostalgic, already... Because Messi's time is over: the little genius will no longer wear the Albiceleste jersey, after 208 caps." German title Kicker said the match was "secondary" and highlighted the in-game tribute at the 10-minute mark.
In Portugal, A Bola called it a "perfect farewell" as Buenos Aires celebrated "with a bang: concerts, games, drones, fireworks and many tears."
