Messi scores and weeps in 3-0 farewell as world media hails Argentina's greatest ever

Lionel Messi ended his Argentina career with a goal, two assists and tears at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental on Tuesday night, as the 39-year-old led his country to a 3-0 victory over Benin in front of 85,000 supporters in Buenos Aires.

Messi created the opening goal for fellow departing player Nicolas Otamendi before teeing up Nico Paz for the second. He then converted a 71st-minute penalty to complete the scoresheet, bringing the stadium to its feet. At the final whistle, addressing the crowd on the pitch, Messi broke down in tears and told those present he did not want to leave the field.

The occasion prompted an outpouring of tributes from media outlets around the world, with traditional rivalries set aside in recognition of what many described as the end of the greatest story in football history.

Spanish media devoted blanket coverage to the farewell, giving it greater prominence than Spain’s own 2-1 win in Croatia on the same evening. AS published a sweeping editorial: “One day, legend will tell that Messi left Argentina forever, that his Albiceleste blood stopped flowing, that the number 10 he wore for over two decades is now orphaned and empty. The greatest story ever told has come to an end.”

SPORT, referencing the acrimony of the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, wrote: “The wounds of the last World Cup, in which they fell in the final to a Barcelona-influenced Spain, have healed. The curtain fell for Messi in the best possible way: with football, with goals, and with a Monumental Stadium completely devoted to its captain. The final chapter of a story that is already eternal.”

Marca called it “the farewell of all time”, noting: “The match ended, and Argentina wept uncontrollably, knowing they would never again see LM in the Albiceleste jersey. Then came his words, the emotion of the crowd, and the worldwide feeling that a monumental farewell had been witnessed for Argentina’s greatest player.”

Tributes also arrived from Argentina’s fiercest South American rivals. Brazilian outlet Globo joined the chorus of praise, underlining the extent to which Messi’s retirement transcended club allegiances, national borders and long-standing footballing enmities.