Lionel Messi received a standing ovation from the whole stadium in the 10th minute of his final match for Argentina, Sportstar and Livemint reported.

The tribute came during the friendly against Benin. Fans rose as one to honor the number 10 in his last game for the national team.

Play paused briefly as the applause rang around the ground. Messi acknowledged the crowd before the match continued.

The 39-year-old later kept the match ball and the referee’s cards as souvenirs of the night. It was an emotional farewell for one of football’s greatest players.

Argentina won the game, but the result was secondary. Tributes poured in from across the sport for Messi’s international career.

The farewell marks the end of an era for Argentine football. Fans will remember the 10th-minute ovation for years to come.

Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005 and won the World Cup in 2022. His international farewell closes a 21-year chapter with the national team.