1 Billion Viewers: Argentina Bids Farewell to Messi with Match Against Benin and Massive Crowd

Argentine fans took to the streets and cities to honor the captain of the Tango team, Lionel Messi, who is preparing to write the final chapter of his international career. The city of Rosario, the star's hometown, witnessed a striking scene featuring a giant shirt bearing Messi's number 10 flying in the sky via helicopter, as part of the most prominent celebrations honoring the legend before his anticipated appearance with the national team.

Record Numbers for the Farewell Match

The Argentina vs. Benin matchup has garnered wide global attention, as the "WinnaFC" platform expects the number of match viewers to reach approximately one billion people worldwide, making it one

of the most-watched farewell matches in football history. The Monumental Stadium in the capital Buenos Aires is scheduled to host this encounter, amid a crowd approaching 85,000 fans, after all match tickets were sold out.

International Station Number 208

Messi will play the Benin match early Wednesday morning, marking his 208th international match with the Argentine national team. The star previously participated in 207 matches wearing the Tango jersey, scoring 125 goals during that time. This confrontation comes in special celebratory atmospheres, following Messi's announcement of his retirement from international play after the end of Argentina's campaign in the 2026 World Cup, making the Benin match his last stop with the national team.

Academic Honor and Farewell Statements

In the hours preceding the match, Lionel Messi received an honorary doctorate degree from the University of Buenos Aires, in recognition of his sporting career and achievements. Messi commented on this honor saying: "It is a beautiful thing unrelated to football… or perhaps related to what I have done throughout my career in sports." The Argentine captain added: "It is a great pride for me to receive this honor, and to be able to say that I am an honorary doctor." He continued: "The truth is that this is a very special day for me, and I know it will be difficult to deal with its emotions, but I will try to enjoy every moment."

A Career Full of Titles

Messi wrote an exceptional history with the Argentine national team, leading the team to win the 2022 World Cup, Copa America in 2021 and 2024, in addition to the Finalissima title in 2022. He also became one of the top scorers in World Cup history, having scored 21 goals in his World Cup appearances. Regarding his psychological state before the match, Messi confirmed feeling calm, but pointed out that the approaching date of the confrontation makes emotions more difficult, saying: "I am calm, but as the match date approaches, things become slightly harder."