Messi's last night in Buenos Aires promises tears

In the Estadio Monumental, where the Netherlands lost the World Cup final in 1978, thousands of Argentinians are ready for an emotional moment: Lionel Messi will don the national shirt for the very last time tonight at 1:00 a.m. Dutch time, a farewell that keeps the entire nation on edge.

Preparations and atmosphere

Peter Schouten, correspondent for Latin America, reports that the atmosphere in the Estadio Monumental is charged with pride and tears. Marta Infante (40), house photographer of River Plate, stands tense by the stand and says: “I have the privilege of being able to witness this historic moment.” She adds: “We are slowly getting gray hairs. I won’t keep it dry, I’m sure of that,” while pointing the camera at Messi who will soon put on the shirt. Tickets were sold out within two hours and are now being offered online for at least 400 euros each, an amount that is unaffordable for a third of Argentinians who live below the poverty line.

Career in numbers

Messi has played 207 internationals and scored 125 goals since his debut on 17 August 2005 against Hungary, a record he now closes against Benin in his very last match. He has reached three World Cup finals and captured six major trophies with the Albiceleste, including the World Cup in 2022 and two Copa América titles. The Argentine media describe his departure as an apocalyptic end, because he was named the best player in the world eight times. Nevertheless, Messi, now 39, remains the only one who is still fully Argentine, despite his club career in Spain and later with Inter Miami.

Future of the national team

Julian Rodriguez (26), founder of the Instagram channel @messismo_, hails the moment as his most important post and points to almost one million followers, including Messi himself, who barely follows anyone. He states: “That is an incredible sign of confidence, something I take very seriously and with a great sense of responsibility.” Rodriguez believes that the national team, despite the loss of Messi, has an impressive foundation with experienced players and new talent such as Nico Paz. He quotes Lautaro Martínez: “I hope we don’t have to cry too much, but if Messi cries, we all cry with him.”

Nicolás Schell (39), world champion of tango, explains that football and tango shape the Argentine identity and are fundamental for society. He praises Messi as a role model in many respects: athlete, father, husband, always respectful, modest and responsible. For Argentinians this is not only a sporting farewell, but also a final tango of the greatest player in the world, as the football association has announced. The dramatic atmosphere is amplified by recent accusations of tax evasion and embezzlement that distract the association from the sporting focus.

A cloud of pride and sorrow spreads across the country tonight, a feeling shared by the entire population. Messi’s final appearance will remind the nation of a generation that defended his shirt and now says goodbye. The world watches as the Blue and White of number ten shine for the last time.