
As a last tango, as they call it in Argentina, it wasn't bad at all. Two assists and a goal, from the penalty spot, albeit against modest Benin, are the fitting legacy of an extraordinary career, consisting of 208 matches with the Seleccion and a World Cup as captain.
Saying goodbye, in these conditions and to that beloved shirt, was Leo Messi's most difficult dribble: "The truth is that I'm talking more than I've ever talked before," he says. And further: "I don't want to leave here, I don't want to leave this field." "It's difficult to speak, I have a lot of emotions, many things come to mind, of course the first thing I think of is my father. It has been a great pride for me to wear this shirt for more than 20 years."
"I just want to tell you that I love you, that I will miss you and that I am grateful to God that I am Argentine - continued Messi, addressing the 85 thousand spectators present in his last match with the Albiceleste -. I am proud to be Argentine". Emotional and heartfelt words, which the audience accompanied with a long applause, with the chorus "Olé, olé, olé, olé, Messi, Messi" and with the banner "The Eternal Captain".
Fireworks in the tenth minute, tears on the bus, light shows and a 30-meter-long Messi jersey with the number 10 and the inscription "Gracias". These and many more were part of Lionel Messi's last tango with Argentina. Against Benin, in a packed Monumental, the 39-year-old left his mark with two assists and a goal.
All before the eyes of coach Scaloni, who wasn't the only one who shed tears.
At the end of the match, the referee gave "Pleshti" the cards for the friendly match.