Football

Lionel Messi held a king’s court in Argentina. On Tuesday, he’ll have his final fete as La Albiceleste’s talisman.

Read more Indianapolis Colts

The Argentine magician’s final game in national team colors is expected to be a star-studded affair. Luminaries are slated to take hold of the Estadio Monumental concourses in record numbers, all hoping to see the famed No. 10 dance and saunter before finding the back of the net one last time.

Messi’s success with Argentina has been hard to ignore over the past half-decade. Based on the way he was embraced ahead of his final international match vs. Benin on Tuesday, it doesn’t appear his countrymen have any intention on forgetting him or his influence any time soon.

With that, here’s what you need to know about Messi’s emotional Argentina send-off.

LIVE:  Lionel Messi highlights, stats from Argentina vs. Benin

Lionel Messi’s emotional Argentina send-off will leave you in tears

Messi was serenaded in cheers as he and his Argentine teammates made their way to Estadio Monumental ahead of Tuesday night’s game.

🚨 Insane scenes as people are following the Argentina National Team bus 🤯 https://t.co/cwCmzp67wh

Read more Lucky Volt Clover Slot Review

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 6, 2026

He couldn’t help but be moved by the scenes unfolding around him. Clips floated around social media in the lead-up to Tuesday’s game showing the Argentine playmaker crying as the team bus traipsed down the Buenos Aires thoroughfares.

🚨 LEO MESSI CRYING IN THE BUS 😭 https://t.co/4VAObDR2Nw

— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 6, 2026

Around 85,000 fans are expected to pool into the Estadio Monumental concourses to watch Messi finish his international career. Hundreds of thousands — if not more — onlookers appear to have descended into the streets of Argentina’s capital city to send him off in the sunset.

Messi fans and the Argentine public have filled the Buenos Aires Plaza as Messi prepares to play his final farewell match for Argentina. 🇦🇷🥹 https://t.co/iLyLI3GikM

— RazedFootball (@RazedFootball) October 6, 2026

Expect tears to flow from plenty of sources — Messi and otherwise — in the coming few hours.

Read more Football

MORE MESSI COVERAGE:

• Where Lionel Messi stands in Argentina history for goals, appearances, and more
• Why this might not be Messi’s only retirement celebration this year
• Read more about what Lionel Messi’s true legacy means to the world
• The best Messi moments in his Argentina career
• Who will wear Argentina’s No.10 shirt after Lionel Messi retires?