Whom Did Lionel Messi Give His Jersey After Argentina vs Benin?

The Argentine Star Leo Messi played his 208th and final match for Argentina against Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6. But the fans are asking one question after "The Last Tango": who gets the Lionel Messi jersey? Messi captained Argentina for the final time against Benin at the Estadio Monumental, ending a 21-year international career. He signed off in style, converting a penalty for his 126th goal and assisting Nicolás Otamendi, who was also making his last appearance, and Nico Paz. Very soon, the attention then turned to the Lionel Messi jersey that he wore on the night.

So, who gets Messi's jersey?
Things turned chaotic on the pitch as a couple of Benin players squabbled over who would get Messi's shirt, while one teammate sneaked a selfie with the Greatest of All Time.

An Emotional Night

After beautiful 21 years of playing for Argentina, Messi walked out with his three sons as fireworks lit the stadium, and a giant No. 10 shirt reading "Gracias" was unfurled across the pitch. Members of Argentina's World Cup-winning squads joined the tribute. He leaves as the national team's all-time leader in appearances, goals and assists.

The Special Farewell Shirt

Adidas and the AFA created a one-off design: a sky-blue base with one white central stripe, a gold "MESSI 10" on the back and the Sun of May motif. Messi unveiled it on Instagram with the caption "A jersey for a lifetime." Argentina also kept the No. 10 vacant until his farewell match.

Why the Shirt Is So Valuable

Collectors prize Messi's match-worn kits. Six shirts from Argentina's 2022 World Cup run sold for $7.8 million at Sotheby's in December 2023, so his final international shirt is bound to attract huge interest.

What Happens Next

No auction date or price has been announced for any final-match shirt. Updates will appear on Sportsdunia, stay tuned.