Organized by the Argentine Football Association (AFA) to grant the 39-year-old icon a fitting tribute, the event saw all 85,000-plus tickets sell out within 90 minutes, with secondary market prices exceeding $2,500. Tens of thousands lined the streets as the team bus approached the venue, delaying kickoff by 30 minutes as security cleared enthusiastic crowds. Prior to the match against Benin—which featured 2022 champions and 2026 World Cup runners-up Argentina—groundskeepers unfurled a massive number 10 jersey bearing the word "Gracias" across the pitch. Messi entered the field accompanied by his three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, visually moved during an emotional rendition of the national anthem performed by Fabio Santana. In addition to the scheduled 10th-minute play stoppage and standing ovation, the post-match celebrations featured a breathtaking drone light show spelling out "Gracias Leo" across the night sky, alongside a live musical performance of "Brindis" by singer Soledad Pastorutti, capping off an unforgettable night in Argentine sports history.