Lionel Messi Bids Farewell to International Football with Emotional Tribute from Antonela Roccuzzo

Lionel Messi concluded his international football career in a spectacular fashion, leading Argentina to a 3-0 victory over Benin. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, praising Messi for the love and respect he earned throughout his journey. The farewell match was filled with emotional moments, including tributes from fans and teammates, celebrating Messi's extraordinary legacy. As he scored a goal and assisted two others, the match became a fitting end to an era where Messi transformed Argentina's fortunes on the global stage. Discover more about this unforgettable farewell and the emotional scenes that unfolded.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 8, 2026, 08:56 IST

A Heartfelt Goodbye

Antonela Roccuzzo, the spouse of football superstar Lionel Messi, shared a touching message for her husband following his enchanting farewell from international football, marked by Argentina's 3-0 triumph over Benin in Buenos Aires.

Memorable Farewell Match

Messi concluded his international career on a high note, contributing a goal and two assists in Argentina's 3-0 victory against Benin during his farewell match at home on Tuesday.

'You Deserve This Adoration'

Post-match, Roccuzzo took to Instagram to express her emotions, commending Messi for the love and respect he garnered during his farewell. She emphasized that he earned this admiration through his character, humility, dedication, and commitment to Argentina. Roccuzzo reflected on the privilege of sharing his journey and expressed gratitude for the lessons learned. "Some nights encapsulate a lifetime, and last night was one of those. It was beautiful to witness you surrounded by so much love, with countless people expressing their gratitude for everything you have given over the years. You deserve this adoration, built through your character, humility, and the passion you always displayed for this jersey. It has been a privilege to walk this path beside you, and it was thrilling to see you conclude such a significant chapter of your life in this manner. Thank you for teaching us so much! We love you! @leomessi. Always with you," she wrote.

An Icon's Farewell Celebration

The farewell match and its lead-up were filled with emotional tributes celebrating Messi's remarkable legacy, featuring acknowledgments from teammates, football legends, and fans, alongside Messi's own emotional responses. Highlights included receiving an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires and a special drone show showcasing pivotal moments from his career, all honoring a football icon in a country where the sport is deeply cherished.

A Fairytale Conclusion on the Field

On the pitch, the first half ended without goals, but Argentina quickly found the net after the break. Messi assisted in the opening goal in the 48th minute, setting up Nicolas Otamendi, who scored effortlessly to give Argentina the lead.

Messi was instrumental in the second goal as well, providing a perfect setup for Nico Paz, whose curling shot doubled the lead and ignited celebrations among the home fans.

The 39-year-old capped off the scoring with a penalty, calmly converting to secure a 3-0 victory, adding yet another memorable moment to his illustrious international career.

As the match concluded, Messi embraced his teammates on the field while fans filled the stadium with cheers and applause, marking a fitting end to an era where he significantly altered Argentina's international fortunes.