Messi's Final Home Match
Lionel Messi Arrives in Argentina Ahead of Emotional Farewell Match
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Key Points
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Messi announced his retirement on August 31, saying, “I emptied myself” and “I have nothing more to give.” He reportedly made the decision after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat but announced it after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
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Messi made his senior Argentina debut against Hungary on August 17, 2005. AFA figures cited in the report credit him with 207 appearances and 68 assists, as well as two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima alongside his World Cup win.
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Messi arrived in Rosario early Friday with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, their three sons and his mother, Celia Cuccittini. His arrival came earlier than coach Lionel Scaloni had suggested, and he went directly to his hometown rather than first traveling to Buenos Aires.
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The farewell is scheduled for River Plate’s Estadio Monumental, with tickets reportedly sold out. The AFA planned tributes involving 2022 World Cup winners before kickoff and an on-pitch ceremony afterward; Messi is also expected to wear a special Adidas shirt with gold lettering and a Sun of May design.
Lionel Messi arrived in Argentina with his family Friday for a farewell friendly against Benin at Buenos Aires' Estadio Monumental. GiveMeSport reports the match marks the end of his 21-year international career, which included the 2022 World Cup title and 125 goals across 207 appearances.
Messi announced his retirement on August 31, saying Sentinel Assam, "I emptied myself. I have nothing more to give." The Argentine Football Association plans tributes from 2022 World Cup winners before kickoff and an on-pitch ceremony after. Tickets for the match are sold out.
The Captain Who Won It All for Argentina
Messi made his Argentina debut on August 17, 2005, against Hungary. Over 21 years, he became the nation's greatest player. EN.AS reports he earned 207 caps, scored 125 goals, and added 68 assists. He won two Copa América titles and the 2022 Finalissima before claiming the World Cup crown that same year.
The Inter Miami star will wear a special Adidas jersey with gold lettering and a Sun of May design for his final match. FlashScore notes this game gives Messi the home send-off he deserves after carrying Argentina through nearly two decades of competition.
A Emotional Homecoming With Family and Friends
Messi arrived in Rosario, his hometown, earlier than expected with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons. Sentinel Assam reports he also brought his mother, Celia Cuccittini. He bypassed Buenos Aires to go straight home, showing how personal this moment feels for the 37-year-old legend.
Several members of Argentina's 2022 World Cup squad will participate in pre-match tributes at the Monumental Stadium. LinkedIn reports this farewell is designed to honor not just Messi's individual brilliance but the team that won it all together in Qatar. Messi will miss Argentina's other friendlies during this international window.
Why He Walked Away at the Peak
Messi's decision to retire came after Argentina's World Cup final defeat, but he announced it publicly on August 31 following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The timing added weight to his words: "I emptied myself. I have nothing more to give." At 37, he felt the time was right.
Stepping back now allows Messi to focus on Inter Miami and his family while ending on his own terms. EN.AS notes this farewell against Benin gives Argentina and its fans a chance to celebrate one of the greatest careers in soccer history. The match offers closure for both player and nation.
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