Messi’s farewell leads headlines as “the end of an era”

“The end of an era that will not be repeated” captured the impact of Messi’s farewell, which led newspapers around the world. Several publications saw the occasion as far more than a match: it was a chance to mark the end of his international journey with Argentina.

Lionel Messi brought that career to a close with a 3-0 win over Benin at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires. Germany’s Bild called it a “fairy-tale” farewell: Messi scored, set up a goal and then left the field to a major popular celebration. La Gazzetta dello Sport cast the night as the tango’s “last dance” at the Monumental, linking the farewell to the tango and the special bond between Argentina and its captain.

Newspapers also focused on the personal weight of the occasion. El País described the nostalgia in the stadium and portrayed the farewell as a tribute to a player who had fulfilled the major ambitions he had pursued with his national team. La Gazzetta dello Sport likewise stressed the emotion and Messi’s connection with Argentina. In Spain, AS opted for two words — “Messi, unforgettable” — while Marca focused on supporters’ reactions during the national anthem.

The end of his international career was also central to the coverage. L’Équipe noted that Messi’s 208 matches for Argentina were now behind him and that his era in the national shirt had ended. At the end of the match, he closed a 21-year international career, with 208 appearances and 126 goals, crowned in particular by the 2022 World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024.

The Guardian argued that the result had become secondary to the significance of the moment, highlighting Messi’s tears and farewell after more than two decades with Argentina. UOL also focused on the image of Messi crying in front of supporters who had gathered to pay tribute. A Bola called it a “perfect farewell”, amid the festivities, fireworks, parades and tears in Buenos Aires.