Emotion, tears as Messi retires from Argentina national team

Lionel Messi concluded his remarkable 21-year international career for Argentina with a tearful farewell match, drawing adoration from a crowd of 85,000 at the Monumental Stadium. The 39-year-old, widely seen as the greatest football player of all time, scored his 126th goal for his country in a 3-0 victory over Benin. Messi, who played his record-extending 208th international, also provided a corner kick assist for the opening goal by veteran Nicolás Otamendi, while youngster Nico Paz scored from a pass from the captain.

The emotional occasion, billed as "The Last Tango," saw Messi savouring the adulation of the crowd one last time. Before the game, a giant Argentina shirt bearing the word "Gracias" was laid out on the pitch, and emotions ran high as Messi wiped away tears en route to the stadium. The match, which Messi missed a few chances during, was capped off by a penalty goal in the 71st minute.

Messi expressed no regrets about his decision to retire, citing Argentina's grueling World Cup campaign and the death of his late father as factors. He said that playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to a player. Former Barcelona teammate Neymar praised Messi for making the world love football even more, and Enzo Fernández, who idolized Messi as a child, was also in tears after the match.