• Lionel Messi retires after a 21-year international career, scoring 126 goals.
• His final game saw Argentina defeat Benin 3-0 in front of 85,000 fans.
• The atmosphere included emotional tributes, such as a giant "Gracias" jersey.
• Messi reflected on his pride in representing Argentina and his late father.
• A drone show concluded the night, celebrating Messi's legacy in football.

Lionel Messi brought the curtain down on his extraordinary 21-year international career on October 6, scoring a goal and providing two assists in a **3-0 victory** over Benin at the Monumental Stadium, amidst overwhelming support from **85,000 fans**. This highly anticipated match celebrated Messi's services to Argentina, marking the end of his glorious chapter with the national team, according to Le Monde and Channel News Asia.

As Messi entered the stadium, he was overcome with emotion, wiping away tears during the bus journey through throngs of fans. He shared the field with his children and received heartfelt gestures from his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his mother, Celia Cuccittini, who watched from a VIP box. Before kickoff, a massive **Argentina jersey** reading "Gracias" was displayed, illustrating the adoration from the crowd, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

In a fitting tribute, the match paused in the **10th minute**, a reference to Messi's legendary shirt number, allowing the crowd to honor his contributions. He opened the scoring by assisting Nicolas Otamendi, who was also ending his international career, and followed with a penalty goal, bringing his total international goals to **126**. Post-match events included a drone show illuminating the sky with his likeness, further solidifying his legacy, as noted by Channel News Asia and Reuters.

Reflecting on his career, Messi expressed immense pride in representing Argentina for more than two decades. He shared feelings of loss about no longer playing for his country, highlighting his late father during a poignant moment. Messages of gratitude flooded in from fans and former teammates alike, underscoring his global impact on football, as reported by Le Monde and Reuters.

Messi concludes his international journey leaving behind a legacy of success that includes **one World Cup victory** and multiple Copa America titles. His transition into retirement coincides with an ongoing contract with **Inter Miami** until 2028, yet the emotional weight of his father's passing may influence his decision to retire earlier, according to Channel News Asia and Reuters.