‘Gracias Leo’: Fireworks, drone show light up Monumental as Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina

Lionel Messi’s farewell from the Argentina national team became an emotional spectacle at the Monumental Stadium, with fireworks lighting up the Buenos Aires sky and a drone show paying tribute to the football icon.

As celebrations continued around Messi’s final appearance for Argentina, hundreds of drones lit up the night above the stadium, eventually forming the words ‘Gracias Leo’, a fitting message for the captain who has given more than two decades to the national team.

The farewell friendly against Benin marked the end of Messi’s extraordinary international journey with Argentina.

The 39-year-old superstar, who had already announced his international retirement, stepped onto the Monumental pitch for the final time in the famous blue and white shirt.

The night was designed to celebrate not only Messi’s achievements on the pitch but also the profound emotional connection he built with Argentine supporters.

The Monumental had already erupted earlier in the match, when play stopped around the 10th minute for a special tribute to Argentina’s iconic No. 10. More than 80,000 supporters rose to applaud Messi, with chants and fireworks adding to an emotional atmosphere.

But the celebrations did not end with the football. A drone display and fireworks were part of a carefully planned farewell program, turning the stadium into a giant celebration of Messi’s legacy. 

The evening also featured musical and artistic performances, making the occasion more than a football match.

Antonela Roccuzzo gets emotional

Away from the celebrations on the pitch, Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, was also overwhelmed by the occasion's emotion.

Roccuzzo had earlier shared an emotional tribute posted by the Argentine Football Association on her Instagram Stories.

The video featured highlights from Messi’s Argentina career, along with narration reflecting on his impact on the country and generations of supporters. 

Rather than focusing simply on his goals, trophies, and individual brilliance, the tribute highlighted how Messi inspired people to become better fathers, sons, partners, and family members.

It also referenced his journey from a boy born in Rosario to the player who eventually delivered some of Argentina’s greatest footballing triumphs, including Copa America titles and the 2022 World Cup.

Roccuzzo responded to the emotional video with three crying-face emojis, making it clear how deeply the tribute affected her.

A farewell befitting Argentina’s greatest

Messi’s relationship with Argentina has been complicated but ultimately triumphant. After years of criticism and heartbreaking defeats, he eventually led the national team to the Copa América title, the Finalissima and the 2022 World Cup, cementing his place among the country’s greatest sporting figures.

His final Argentina appearance against Benin therefore represented the closing chapter of a remarkable 21-year international career.

The football may have provided the setting, but the farewell was ultimately about gratitude.

And as the words ‘Gracias Leo’ appeared above the Monumental, Argentina gave its legendary No. 10 one final message: thank you.