Lionel Messi was moved to tears before Argentina’s friendly against Benin in the early hours of Wednesday, as supporters paid an emotional tribute to the captain and his career with the national team.
Messi began crying while travelling on the Argentina team bus after seeing the large crowd gathered to welcome him. Fans chanted in celebration of their captain and the achievements he has delivered for the country.
The 39-year-old was visibly emotional again during the national anthem before kick-off. Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni also appeared affected by the occasion as the match took place in an atmosphere of celebration and reflection.
Supporters marked Messi’s international career with a symbolic gesture during the game. Play was stopped in the 10th minute, a reference to the number on the shirt Messi has worn throughout his career, while the crowd raised chants in honour of their captain.
The number 10 has become inseparable from Messi’s time with Argentina, which has included some of the most significant successes in the country’s history. Among those achievements are victory at the 2022 World Cup and triumph in the Copa America.
The friendly against Benin therefore became a special night for Messi, combining the emotion of the Argentina captain with the celebrations of supporters who have watched his international career unfold.
His tears before the match reflected the significance of the reception, while the tribute to the number 10 brought the focus back to the role he has played for Argentina over many years.
TyC Sports shared footage of the occasion on social media with the caption: “NO PUEDO MAS” – “I can’t take it any more” – alongside crying and emotional emojis. The post was dated 6 October 2026.
The scenes captured the deep affection Messi continues to receive from Argentina supporters, with the crowd’s tribute turning the match into an occasion centred as much on the captain’s legacy as on the action itself.