Monumental ready for Lionel Messi’s final show
Estadio Monumental has been dressed with vertical screens and music for the Argentina friendly with Benin, marking Messi’s farewell with the national team.
River Plate’s Estadio Monumental has been prepared to host what is billed as Lionel Messi’s final appearance in Argentina colours: a friendly against Benin scheduled for Wednesday at 01:00. Club footage released on social channels shows the stadium interior festooned with vertical screens playing the forward’s most famous goals.
The club’s post included the message: “Monumental is preparing for the final appearance of the No. 10,” the official profile wrote. The corridor displays present a sequence of different strikes scored by Messi while wearing the national jersey, creating a large-scale visual tribute to his career with La Albiceleste.
Musical design for the stadium video leans on the track “Arrancarmelo” by Vos — the same song Messi used on his social accounts in 2022 to express thanks after Argentina’s World Cup victory in Qatar.
Fan events and entertainment
Match-day festivities begin at noon with a Fan Fest in the sports complex of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) aimed at supporters who were unable to secure tickets. Organizers say the event will include live music, food stalls, games, interactive experiences with influencers and streamers, and a large screen broadcasting the match.
Performers announced for the day’s musical programme include La Sole, Un Poco de Ruido, Ulysses Bueno, Amar Azul and Damas Gratis. The national anthem will be performed by singer and Falkland Islands veteran Fabio Santana.
According to reports from TyC Sports, after the final whistle Lionel Messi will be presented with a commemorative plaque and a unique jersey in recognition of his contributions to the national team. Organizers also plan to show an emotional video retrospective of his international career at the Monumental.
Photo: press material from the event
