The footballing world stood still as Lionel Messi finally closed the curtain on his legendary international career with Argentina. Following his farewell appearance against Benin, former teammate and current Barcelona sporting director Deco joined the chorus of voices hailing the greatest player to ever grace the game.
Lisandro Martinez, Franco Mastantuono, and Enzo Fernandez shared their emotional reactions following Lionel Messi's international farewell. The young trio admitted it will be difficult to process national team duty without their iconic captain.
Ronaldinho has shared a poignant tribute to his former Barcelona protege Lionel Messi following the legendary forward's emotional decision to retire from international football. The Brazilian icon, who acted as a mentor to the young Argentine during his early years at Camp Nou, reflected on their unique bond and the incredible legacy Messi leaves behind with the Albiceleste.
Nicolas Otamendi and Exequiel Palacios expressed immense gratitude following Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina. Otamendi revealed his delight at scoring from a Messi assist during the 3-0 victory against Benin.
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has opened up about the immense emotional weight surrounding Lionel Messi's final match for the national team. The legendary playmaker bid farewell to the international stage following a victory over Benin, marking the end of an era that redefined Argentine football history.
Lionel Messi has officially called time on his legendary international career, bidding a tearful goodbye to the Argentina national team at the Estadio Monumental. The Inter Miami superstar used his final moments on the pitch to address the stinging criticism and conspiracy theories that followed the Albiceleste’s World Cup 2026 final defeat to Spain.
Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has opened up on his decision to swap Aston Villa for Chelsea, admitting that a painful international defeat sparked his desire for a fresh start. The veteran goalkeeper secured a bargain move to Stamford Bridge following a summer of major upheaval for both club and country.
Enzo Fernandez was reduced to tears during Lionel Messi's emotional farewell speech at the Monumental Stadium. The Manchester City midfielder subsequently published a moving open letter detailing how he transformed from a teenage fan into a world champion alongside his idol.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni offered a heart-felt assessment of Lionel Messi following the captain's final international match. Scaloni admitted that replacing the forward's unique brilliant aura will be an impossible challenge for the coaching staff.
Argentina secured a comfortable 3-0 victory over Benin at the Monumental Stadium to close the international break. Second-half goals from Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Paz, and Lionel Messi extended the world champions' remarkable friendly winning streak.
Lionel Messi has officially ended his glittering international career after scoring in his final appearance for Argentina. The legendary captain delivered an emotional address at the Monumental Stadium, thanking supporters and reflecting on his 21-year journey.
Justin Ellis' winner capped a perfect four-game window, Alex Freeman impressed and Cole Campbell finally made his debut. Yunus Musah, however, struggled to find his place in Mauricio Pochettino's side.
Lionel Messi is preparing to step onto the pitch in the famous blue and white stripes for the final time, marking the end of a legendary international career. As the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner readies himself for a farewell friendly against Benin, one of his closest friends and former teammates has led the global tributes.
The Philadelphia Union teenager's movement and pressing show why his USMNT breakthrough is about more than one spectacular goal. The challenge is balancing freedom with restraint.
Lionel Messi has confirmed that his legendary tenure with the Argentina national team is coming to an end, releasing a poignant statement ahead of his final match. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will take to the pitch for the last time as an Albiceleste player in a friendly against Benin at the Estadio Monumental.
Former Arsenal playmaker Andrey Arshavin believes Lionel Messi deserves to collect the 2026 Ballon d'Or following his heroic exploits for club and country. The Russian icon feels handing the Inter Miami talisman another golden ball would offer a poetic conclusion to his career at the highest level, citing his talismanic run to the World Cup final.
Former Tottenham goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes has heavily criticised Hugo Souza following his unconvincing display in Brazil's 1-1 draw against Australia. The 45-year-old labelled the Corinthians custodian's positional awareness "amateur", urging Selecao boss Carlo Ancelotti to overhaul his options between the posts ahead of November's friendlies.
Javier Zanetti has paid an emotional tribute to former international team-mate Lionel Messi ahead of his final Argentina appearance against Benin on Tuesday night. The Inter vice-president placed the talismanic playmaker alongside Diego Maradona, praising his resilience and backing Lautaro Martinez to lead the South American giants forward.
Benin captain Steve Mounie has stirred the pot ahead of his nation's high-profile meeting with Argentina by claiming he does not view Lionel Messi as an idol. The experienced striker made the surprising admission while discussing his philosophy on facing football's greatest icons on the international stage.
Lionel Messi is preparing to take his final bow on the international stage, but his upcoming opponents appear more interested in witnessing greatness than stopping it. Benin defender Mohamed Tijani has stunned fans by admitting that his side has absolutely no tactical strategy to handle the legendary number 10.
Lionel Messi is preparing to bring an extraordinary 21-year international career to an emotional close when Argentina host Benin in Buenos Aires on Tuesday night. The 39-year-old icon completed his final training session at Ezeiza, taking time to reflect on his impending farewell as Lionel Scaloni's men gear up for an unforgettable occasion at Estadio Monumental.
Lionel Messi is preparing to make his final appearance for Argentina in an emotional friendly against Benin on Wednesday. The monumental occasion will serve as a celebration of the legendary forward's international career, with manager Lionel Scaloni backing his team to thrive in a new era.
From learning alongside Barcelona's stars to living on his own in Denmark, the 20-year-old goalkeeper tells GOAL about the experiences shaping his life on and off the field.
Lionel Messi is preparing for an emotional farewell in front of his home supporters as Argentina take on Benin at the Estadio Monumental. However, the visitors have no intention of playing the role of generous guests during the legendary forward's final appearance on Argentine soil.
AS Roma head coach Gian Piero Gasperini has revealed why Paulo Dybala and Nahuel Molina will not attend Lionel Messi’s final match for Argentina. The Italian boss explained that the lengthy trip would disrupt preparations for a crucial run of club fixtures.
The Uruguay national team have been making the most of their time in India by embracing the local culture ahead of their upcoming international friendly. Before taking to the pitch in Kolkata, the South American giants took a detour to one of the most iconic sporting venues in the world to test their skills in a different discipline altogether.
Lionel Messi has linked up with the Argentina national squad at Ezeiza ahead of Tuesday's monumental farewell friendly against Benin in Buenos Aires. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is preparing to pull on the Albiceleste shirt for the final time, bringing the curtain down on an unmatched 21-year international career on his own terms.
At 17, Cavan Sullivan became the USMNT's youngest scorer with a daring chip against Mexico, earning Pochettino's praise and giving fans a glimpse of what comes next.
Leonel Flores has reflected on an astonishing 24-hour spell that saw him score twice for Boca Juniors before turning out for Argentina the following evening. The 19-year-old winger brushed off concerns over physical fatigue following his second-half appearance against Burkina Faso, insisting he would gladly take to the pitch for another match if asked.
Lionel Scaloni has admitted that the Argentina national team will never be the same again as the legendary Lionel Messi prepares for his final appearance in the famous blue and white stripes. The World Cup-winning manager reflected on his captain's unique influence following a dominant friendly victory at El Monumental.
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