Messi's final match paused after 10 minutes to honour his legacy

Lionel Messi's final night in an Argentina shirt was temporarily stopped ten minutes into the match after FIFA referees halted play to give the famous #10 a proper farewell against Benin.

FIFA officials stopped play at the Estadio Monumental in the 10th minute to trigger a planned tribute to the country's legendary No. 10. The crowd rose for a minute-long ovation as chants of "Ole, Ole, Ole" rolled around the stadium, which holds 85,018 spectators.

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Teammates and fans bid emotional farewell to Messi

Argentina's football association already used the 10th minute to request that all competitions pause for applause in recognition of Messi's national-team career after he announced his international retirement.

Tuesday's version saw Messi stand on the field himself, surrounded by the same teammates he won the 2022 FIFA World Cup with in Qatar and who helped him reach the 2026 runner-up spot in July.

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Argentina fans in the stands with a flag with Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona. Photo: Reuters

Messi waved to the crowd as fireworks lit up the stadium sky, and even Benin internationals clapped during the acknowledgment including CSKA Sofia defender Tamimou Ouorou.