Lionel Messi holds back tears during his last anthem as an Argentina player

For his last anthem as an Argentina player, Lionel Messi had to hold back tears at the Monumental. Aged 39, the captain stood on the pitch beside his children as the Argentine anthem played. The emotional scene unfolded on an evening marked by the farewell to a leading figure of the Albiceleste.

Messi’s emotions were already visible when he arrived at the stadium, wiping his eyes with a piece of paper. During the anthem, he showed his feelings again, with his children Thiago, Mateo and Ciro beside him as the Monumental paid tribute to him.

Lionel Scaloni was also overcome with emotion. The coach broke down in tears during the anthem. He had led Messi and Argentina to the World Cup title in Qatar; this time, he shared a particularly poignant farewell ceremony with his captain. Messi’s last anthem therefore became both a tribute and an intimate moment, experienced alongside his children and in front of the Monumental crowd.