Lionel Messi honoured by River Plate before final Argentina appearance

River Plate have paid tribute to Lionel Messi by presenting him with a commemorative plaque, a personalised number 10 shirt and honorary club membership before his final match for Argentina.

Messi played for the Albiceleste against Benin on Wednesday morning, scoring from the penalty spot in a 3-0 victory. Shortly before kick-off, River Plate president Stefano Di Carlo presented the gifts to the 39-year-old in the dressing room at the Monumental.

The Argentine club announced the tribute on its official X account with the message: “Thank you, captain.”

Messi’s honorary membership card, printed on Sunday 4 October, carries a distinctive reference instead of a conventional membership number. It reads “ARG1812022” – a reference to the date of the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, when Argentina beat France on penalties to win their third world title.

River Plate also described Messi as a “World champion, unbeaten at the Monumental and honorary member of River” in its post.

The former Barcelona and Paris St-Germain forward was given a River Plate shirt bearing his name and the number 10, traditionally associated with the club’s most influential players.

Messi’s connection with River Plate dates back to the beginning of his career. He had the opportunity to join the club after leaving Newell’s Old Boys, who were unable to meet the cost of his treatment for growth hormone deficiency.

He underwent a trial at River Plate and impressed, but ultimately moved to Barcelona instead. It was in Spain that Messi established himself as one of football’s greatest players and wrote the most significant chapters of his career.

The tribute was made at River Plate’s Monumental stadium before Messi made what the source described as his final appearance for the Argentina national team.