Messi’s Monumental farewell sparks emotional tributes from Argentina’s clubs

Lionel Messi marked his final appearance at the Monumental with a goal and two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0, before telling supporters through tears: “I don’t want to leave here.” His emotional farewell prompted messages of gratitude from clubs across Argentina, with rivals united in honouring the national team captain.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi began his football journey, posted two images on 6 October 2026. One showed him as a child wearing the club’s shirt, while the other pictured him as a world champion with Argentina.

“Leo, you made the boy from the Malvinas very happy. Thank you,” the club wrote.

River Plate chose a brief message alongside an image of the trophies Messi has won with Argentina.

“Forever. Thank you, captain,” the club posted on 7 October 2026.

Boca Juniors, River’s traditional rivals, also set aside club loyalties to pay tribute.

“Thank you always, captain,” Boca wrote.

San Lorenzo focused on Messi’s contribution both on and off the pitch, thanking him for “the football, your love for the shirt, the joy, always trying again, and for being Argentine”.

Independiente described Messi’s career in similarly emotional terms.

“A beautiful love story. Thank you, truly. You left no dream unfulfilled,” the club said in a message posted on 7 October.

Huracan published the longest tribute, describing the feelings shared by an entire nation.

“Forever grateful, captain, for every joy, every tear and for making us embrace as we never had before; for taking our flag to the highest point and fulfilling the dream of an entire country,” the club wrote.

“Words cannot express our gratitude. Your magic, and all the emotions you gave us, will remain engraved in our hearts forever. Thank you for everything, Lionel Andres Messi.”

The message also included a separate notice to Huracan members, saying the deadline to settle outstanding payments had been extended until 10 October, with the option to pay in up to 12 interest-free instalments.

Tributes came from clubs beyond Argentina’s traditional heavyweights. Barracas Central thanked Messi for the joy he had brought, for lifting the national flag “to the highest point” and for permanently changing the history of Argentine football.

Defensa y Justicia simply posted: “Thank you for everything, Leo!”

Tigre recalled one of Messi’s most memorable descriptions of Argentina’s shirt: “This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life.”

The messages reflected the significance of the night at the Monumental. Messi was not simply saying goodbye to the supporters; Argentina was bidding farewell to a player whose number 10 shirt had come to represent the dreams of several generations.