The Aporia
The Aporia
Press Association Sport. (2026, October 7). Lionel Messi: Every word from emotional farewell speech as Argentina stars reduced to tears. Evening Standard. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/messi-farewell-speech-every-word-argentina-stars-b1299827.html
Press Association Sport. “Lionel Messi: Every word from emotional farewell speech as Argentina stars reduced to tears.” Evening Standard, 7 Oct. 2026, https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/messi-farewell-speech-every-word-argentina-stars-b1299827.html.
Press Association Sport. “Lionel Messi: Every word from emotional farewell speech as Argentina stars reduced to tears.” Evening Standard, October 7, 2026. https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/messi-farewell-speech-every-word-argentina-stars-b1299827.html.
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Lionel Messi will play his final match for Argentina in a friendly against Benin on Tuesday, October 4, at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, marking the end of an era. The 39-year-old superstar, who has been with Argentina since 2005 and is the country's all-time leading scorer with 125 goals, will bid farewell to fans during this emotionally charged game expected to draw around 85,000 spectators.
Messi’s legacy includes a World Cup title in 2022, two Copa América triumphs (in 2021 and 2024), an Olympic gold medal from 2008, and numerous other accolades. His final match features a special commemorative shirt designed to honor his GOAT status, incorporating the Sun of May symbol, Messi's personal logo, and golden details on the crest and numbers.
The game will also serve as a transition point for Argentina’s national team, with coach Lionel Scaloni highlighting the importance of letting new players take center stage. The match in Buenos Aires starts at 8 PM local time (1 AM BST) and can be watched in the UK on Premier Sports 2 starting from midnight.
