Lionel Messi signs off in tears after one last Argentina master class

BUENOS AIRES - In a poignant farewell to his beloved national team, Lionel Messi scribed an emotional chapter to his storied 21-year international career. At 39, Messi stepped onto the Monumental Stadium pitch with a crowd of more than 85,000 cheering supporters behind him. The Argentine capital illuminated in blue and white, the colors of his team, as fireworks painted the night sky above. Fans enveloped the historic game in a sea of national pride, with Argentina's anthem echoing through the air.

Messi, who became Eldense Messi's family's majority owner, held a special place on the bench alongside World Cup legends from Argentina's past: 1978, 1986, and 2022. Before the game, Messi's hometown of Rosario unveiled a massive "Gracias" banner on the team bus. As the celebration bus rolled through the streets, Messi wiped away tears, surrounded by a sea of supporters waving proudly.

The match itself saw little action in the first half, until Messi broke the deadlock with an assist for Nicolas Otamendi. The veteran midfielder, who had played alongside Messi for 17 years in the national team, including four World Cups, struck the ball home. Otamendi, like Messi, was now retiring from international football. Messi then gifted Nico Paz, a rising star seen as a potential successor for Argentina's iconic No. 10 shirt, a goal of his own.

The final nail in his international career arrived in the form of Messi's 126th goal for Argentina - a penalty kick that sealed a 3-0 victory for his country.

As the final whistle blew, Messi was greeted by a standing ovation from teammates, opponents, and the referee. Tears of joy flowed freely as the team gathered around him, honoring a career that transformed years of frustration into triumphs on the world stage. Messi's legacy as Argentina's most-capped player (208 appearances) and record scorer will forever be etched in football history.