Lionel Messi Handed Both Red, Yellow Cards By Referee After His Final Argentina Match vs Benin: Here’s What The Farewell Gesture Means

Lionel Messi’s final game for Argentina ended with a 3-0 victory over Benin, a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires. But one of the most unusual moments of the night came after the final whistle, when referee Fernando Véjar walked over to Messi and handed him his yellow and red cards. It was not a punishment.

Vejar, the Chilean referee who officiated Argentina’s farewell match, gave Messi the cards as a commemorative souvenir after the game. The cards were the same ones the official had used during the match. 

The gesture came as players from Argentina and Benin gathered around Messi to congratulate him after his final appearance for the national team. Vejar also gave Messi the match ball, adding another keepsake to a night that had been organised around celebrating the Argentina captain’s extraordinary international career.