Messi's Farewell Match Draws Controversial 3 Billion Views

Lionel Messi's farewell match for the Argentina national team took place on October 6, where Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires. Messi, who is 39 years old, scored from the penalty spot and provided two assists, allowing over 85,000 fans to celebrate his contributions to Argentine football.

Reports claim the match attracted three billion views, surpassing the 2022 FIFA World Cup final as the most-watched event of all time; however, this figure has not been substantiated by reliable audience data and should be treated with caution. FIFA's official audience report for the 2022 World Cup final estimated around 1.5 billion viewers.

Messi's international career spanned 21 years, making him Argentina's most-capped player with 208 appearances and 126 goals. His achievements include winning the 2021 Copa América and the 2022 World Cup, solidifying his legacy in football history.