Emotion, tears as Messi prepares for Argentina farewell

Lionel Messi, widely regarded as football's greatest player, prepared to bid farewell to his 21-year international career. The emotional former superstar arrived in Buenos Aires ahead of a friendly match against Benin, wiping away tears as he prepared to take the pitch before a sellout crowd of 85,000. The fixture, dubbed "The Last Tango", was a chance to pay tribute to Messi, who announced his retirement in August after achieving a record 125 goals in 207 appearances for his country.

Messi's farewell came less than two and a half months after Argentina's World Cup final loss to Spain, where he left the field in tears after a disappointing 1-0 defeat. At the Argentine Football Association headquarters, Messi was honored with an honorary doctorate, jokingly expressing pride in the distinction. Fellow World Cup champions including Angel di Maria, who has already retired from international football, will also participate in the tribute.

Messi, currently under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, may retire earlier than anticipated following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago.