Lionel Messi’s legendary Argentina career wrapped up Tuesday evening, an emotional finale that saw the Albiceleste net a 3-0 win against Benin right there in Buenos Aires. What a way to go out, right? After a glittering run, Messi capped it all off with a goal, two assists, and a tribute that truly hit different.
Messi’s Final Brilliant Strokes
You just knew Messi was going to go out in style. He put the cherry on top of his international career, bagging his final Argentina strike from the penalty spot in the 71st minute to round out the scoring. But he wasn’t done! The man also dished out two assists, setting up goals for Nicolas Tagliafico, his longest-tenured Argentina teammate, and Nico Paz, who’s widely seen as the heir apparent to his role. Seriously, it was a perfectly scripted ending. After the final whistle, the stadium absolutely erupted. There was this insane drone show that played out his entire national team journey, followed by a musical performance, and then Messi himself gave a speech right there on the pitch. Pure chills, honestly.
Soledad Pastorutti: The Voice of Argentina’s Heart
Who was that incredible voice that brought the house down? That was Soledad Pastorutti, the first musical artist to perform on the Estadio Monumental pitch after Argentina’s 3-0 victory. This isn’t just some random pop star, either. Soledad is a 45-year-old folk artist originally from Arequito in Santa Fe, which just so happens to be the same province Messi hails from. Arequito is only about an hour’s drive from Messi’s hometown of Rosario, so you know this connection runs deep. She’s a legend in her own right, best known for her debut album, “Poncho al Viento,” which is Sony Music’s best-ever selling album in Argentina. She kicked off her career way back in 1995 when she was just 15, has sold over 4 million records, and even snagged two Diamond Awards in Argentina. Plus, she won a Latin Grammy in 2014 for Best Folk Album with her album “Raiz.” Her link to Argentine football isn’t new, either; she was with the national team all the way back at the 1998 World Cup in Madrid.
“Brindis”: A Song Etched in History
The song she performed was “Brindis,” and man, does that track have some history! It was first coined in 2005 as a football anthem dedicated to none other than Diego Maradona himself. Since then, it’s been super close to the heart of the Argentina national team. Pastorutti actually performed “Brindis” for Messi and the squad that won the 2022 World Cup during CONMEBOL’s tribute event. Get this: Messi even used the song on social media when he announced his retirement. So, it felt totally right that he specifically asked Pastorutti to perform it again after this final match. And she did, right there in front of him on the pitch, just before his speech. It was an epic, full-circle moment for a truly legendary career.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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