Referee Gifts Messi Red Card During Emotional Farewell

Lionel Messi's final match for Argentina produced one of the most unusual and symbolic moments of his international career, as referee Fernando Véjar presented the football legend with his yellow and red cards as farewell souvenirs. The remarkable gesture came after Argentina's 3–0 victory over Benin at the Estadio Monumental on October 6, marking the end of Messi's extraordinary 21-year international journey. Following the final whistle, players from both teams gathered around Messi to congratulate him and celebrate his achievements. Among those approaching the Argentina captain was Chilean referee Fernando Véjar, who surprised Messi by handing him the disciplinary cards he had carried during the match. The cards were not issued as punishment. Instead, they were presented as keepsakes to commemorate Messi's final international appearance. The moment carried remarkable historical significance because Messi's Argentina career began with a red card in August 2005. During his senior international debut against Hungary, the teenage Messi was sent off shortly after coming onto the pitch, bringing his first appearance to a disappointing and emotional conclusion. More than two decades later, Messi received another red card on his final night wearing Argentina's colours, but this time it represented admiration rather than dismissal. The 39-year-old completed his farewell appearance with another outstanding performance, scoring once and providing two assists as Argentina defeated Benin 3–0 in front of more than 85,000 supporters. Messi ended his international career with 208 appearances and 126 goals, having guided Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa América titles in 2021 and 2024. From a red card that ended his international debut to a red card gifted in recognition of his extraordinary achievements, Messi's Argentina journey has come full circle in an unforgettable way.