Details of the final message that shook Argentine sports and the date of the farewell match.

Breaths were held and fans prepared to witness an extraordinary moment blended with sadness and loyalty, after a few words and a symbolic photo posted on social media hinted at the end of an unprecedented sporting era. Mystery and anticipation hung over the global sports community in recent hours, amid intense preparations and behind-the-scenes arrangements to lower the curtain on a journey spanning over two decades, which saw the writing of a football legend that may never be repeated in the history of the game.

This unexpected move officially announced the final farewell of one of the greatest ever to play the game with his national team. Global football legend and Argentina captain Lionel Messi shared a photo on his official Instagram account kissing a special edition “Albiceleste” jersey crafted specifically for this occasion, accompanied by a brief message that shook the football world: “Thank you Argentina.” This emotional moment comes just hours before the Argentine star plays his 208th and final match with his national team against Benin in a historic friendly hosted at the El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires before a sold-out crowd. The Tango legend concludes an international career that began in 2005 and culminated in winning the 2022 World Cup, two Copa América titles, and the Finalissima, cementing his name as the country’s all-time top scorer with 125 goals and 68 assists amidst grand celebrations featuring prominent football figures.