BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AFP) — An emotional Lionel Messi prepared to bring the curtain down on his glittering 21-year international career on Tuesday, bidding farewell to adoring Argentina fans in a friendly against Benin.

Messi, 39, was seen wiping away tears as the bus carrying him and his Argentina team-mates made its way through crowds of wellwishers en route to a sold out Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires.

Shortly before kick off, a giant Argentina jersey bearing the word “Gracias” (Thank You) above the football superstar’s number 10 was laid out on the pitch as a sellout crowd of 85,000 roared their approval.

Messi was seen welling up once again moments before kick-off in a stirring rendition of Argentina’s national anthem.

Tuesday’s fixture has been billed as ‘The Last Tango’, a chance to pay tribute to the diminutive genius widely regarded as the greatest player in football history.

Messi announced his retirement from international football in August, ending an Argentina career that spanned more than two decades, encompassed 207 matches and a record 125 goals.

His farewell comes two and a half months after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain in New Jersey, where Messi exited in tears after making little impression in an ill-tempered 1-0 loss.

“I gave it my all; I have nothing left to give, and besides, there are great young players coming up who deserve their chance,” Messi wrote at the time.

Before Tuesday’s game, the University of Buenos Aires awarded Messi an honorary doctorate in a ceremony at the Argentine Football Association (AFA) headquarters.

Messi, who has in the past spoken of his regret at not studying more, expressed pride at the distinction.

“To be able to say that I am an honorary doctor!,” he joked.

Outside the Argentina Football Association headquarters, fans unfurled a huge Argentine flag with his image inscribed “The joy of my life.”

Former Barcelona team-mate Neymar paid tribute to the departing champion on X.

“It’s not just Argentina that thanks you, the world thanks you for everything you did for football. Thank you for making me love football even more,” he said.

Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, although following the death of his father, Jorge, two months ago, he revealed he may hang up his boots for good sooner than anticipated.

– Filling the void –

Several of his fellow 2022 World Cup champions will participate in the tribute, including Angel di Maria, who has already retired from the national team.

Messi will wear a commemorative jersey with a white stripe down the center and the sun’s rays from the national flag.

The city of Buenos Aires will light up its main monuments in light blue, including the iconic Obelisk.

“It’s going to be an unforgettable day for everyone,” coach Lionel Scaloni said in the build-up to Tuesday’s match.

Vice-captain, defender Nicolas Otamendi, will also bow out of the team on Tuesday as Messi signs off.

Messi’s departure comes four years after his greatest triumph in international football, leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup to end the country’s 36-year wait for a third title, cementing his status as Diego Maradona’s heir.

“I believe Messi gave everything, absolutely everything, so it doesn’t bother me at all that he’s leaving. He has more than earned it, let him enjoy himself, let him rest,” Cecilia Adriano, 52, told AFP.

During his time with the Albiceleste, Argentina won one World Cup, were runners-up twice (Brazil 2014 and North America 2026) and were also crowned Copa America champions in 2021 and 2024.

But there were tears along the way too, with Messi retiring for two months from the team after their shock defeat on penalties to Chile in the 2016 Copa America final.

After the Benin game, the captain’s armband will pass to Cristian Romero.

It is not clear, however, who will inherit the coveted number 10 jersey.

“Until Leo’s game, we won’t give the number 10 to anyone,” said Scaloni. “After that, we’ll see.”