Argentina supporters brought a real goat wearing Lionel Messi’s No. 10 shirt outside Buenos Aires’ Monumental stadium before his international farewell.
The unusual tribute added humour to an emotional occasion on Tuesday, October 6. Inside the stadium, Messi scored once and supplied two assists as Argentina beat Benin 3-0.
Fans dressed the animal in Argentina colours ahead of kick-off. Their message drew on the nickname that has followed Messi throughout his career: GOAT, short for Greatest Of All Time.
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Supporters turned that familiar football argument into a literal tribute. The goat wore the number associated with Argentina’s captain as fans gathered to celebrate his final national-team appearance.
The moment offered a light-hearted contrast to the tears and elaborate celebrations surrounding the match. Messi’s performance then gave supporters another reason to celebrate.
The 39-year-old helped create Argentina’s opening goal by delivering a corner for Nicolas Otamendi. He later assisted Nico Paz, linking his farewell with one of the country’s emerging talents.
Messi completed the scoring from the penalty spot. It was his 126th international goal and his last in Argentina colours.
More than 85,000 supporters packed the Monumental for the occasion. Messi finished his international career with 208 appearances, leaving as Argentina’s record appearance-maker and leading scorer.
His final assist tally came up at 70. However, Major League Soccer’s website listed 69, reflecting a difference between the published totals. Both credited him with two assists against Benin.
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His honours included the 2022 World Cup, Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024, and the 2022 Finalissima. Those victories reshaped an international career that had previously brought repeated disappointment in major finals.
The farewell extended well beyond the result. Messi struggled with his emotions, while tributes continued throughout the evening and a drone show illuminated the stadium.
The Argentine Football Association described celebrations featuring live music, lights, artistic performances and tributes before, during and after the match. It also highlighted Messi’s tears during the national anthem.
Organisers had prepared opportunities for supporters beyond the stadium, too. An AFA fan festival at the University of Buenos Aires’ sports grounds included a giant screen showing the Benin match.
FIFA had confirmed in advance that the friendly would mark Messi’s final Argentina appearance. The occasion therefore carried the weight of a planned goodbye to a career spanning 21 years.
Amid the official ceremonies, the supporters’ goat stood out for its simplicity. It needed neither a speech nor a stadium-sized display to explain the affection behind it.
On a night built around Argentina’s most famous No. 10, fans gave the GOAT nickname a distinctly literal farewell.
