Lionel Messi Named an Honorary Member of River Plate at the Monumental Stadium

Messi Closes His Argentina Chapter at the Monumental and Receives a Tribute From River Plate

River Plate Honors Messi During His Argentina Farewell at the Monumental

As part of his farewell to the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi met with Stefano Di Carlo in the Presidential Office at Monumental Stadium, where he received a special tribute from River Plate.

The club presented Messi with a special jersey commemorating its 125th anniversary, featuring the iconic No. 10 and his name on the back, as well as a membership card and commemorative plaque officially recognizing him as an Honorary Member of River Plate.

The recognition carries special meaning because of the relationship built between Messi and the Monumental throughout his international career. The stadium has been the setting for some of his most important moments with Argentina and ultimately hosted his final match with the national team on Argentine soil.

MESSI'S HOME WITH ARGENTINA

28 appearances for the Argentina national team at the Monumental.
19 goals, more than at any other stadium in Argentina.
His first goal there came in 2008 against Uruguay in a World Cup qualifying match.
He delivered some of his most memorable performances at the stadium, including a hat trick against Bolivia in 2021, another hat trick against Bolivia in 2024, and a brace against Venezuela in 2025.
On October 6, 2026, against Benin, he played his final match for Argentina on home soil. In the 3-0 victory, Messi scored one goal and provided two assists.
The bond between Messi and the Monumental spans more than 15 years, from his first goal there in 2008 to his farewell in 2026.

A SPECIAL RECOGNITION FOR MESSI

River Plate's decision to name Messi an Honorary Member adds another chapter to a relationship that goes beyond results. The Monumental was one of the main stages for Messi's Argentina career for years and ultimately became the venue where he closed his international chapter on Argentine soil.

Messi said goodbye to the Argentine fans at the same stadium that had witnessed his evolution with La Albiceleste for more than a decade.

And River Plate, representing its members and supporters, chose to mark that final chapter with an institutional tribute to one of the most prominent figures in the recent history of Argentine soccer.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM MESSI'S RIVER PLATE TRIBUTE

HONORARY MEMBER: River Plate honored Lionel Messi with a commemorative plaque, membership card and a special jersey celebrating the club's 125th anniversary.
HISTORY AT THE MONUMENTAL: Messi has recorded 28 appearances and 19 goals for Argentina at the stadium.
A SPECIAL FAREWELL: On October 6, 2026, against Benin, Messi played his final match for Argentina on home soil, contributing one goal and two assists.