# @apnews on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DeLAO_HFRrs
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/71369502-apnews-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/da2168755c.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-10-06T23:50:49.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Associated Press (@AP) — https://gondola.cc/AP

## Caption

Argentina is preparing an emotional goodbye to Lionel Messi as he plays his final game for the national team.

On Tuesday, the 39-year-old Messi bids farewell to international soccer after 21 years, 125 goals, two Copa América titles and a World Cup championship. What would otherwise be an unremarkable friendly match against Benin has become the moment that Argentina has long dreaded.

“It feels like an era is ending, knowing he won’t play for the national team anymore,” said Valentino Ruso, 17, who was hanging out with friends in a Buenos Aires park on Tuesday. “I’m sad. I think everyone is upset today. He will be missed.”

Messi will continue to play for MLS team Inter Miami.

Read more at the link in bio.

#APPhotos by Gustavo Garello, Natacha Pisarenko and Rodrigo Abd

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 1,829
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 36

## Tags

apphotos

---
Copyright (c) Gondola