How Messi's struggle to emerge from Maradona's shadow sealed his eternal glory in Argentina

Argentina’s River Plate crowd at Estadio Monumental is set for a final emotional send-off Tuesday as Lionel Messi plays his last international match in Argentina colors, against Benin. The match follows a national cycle of peak celebrations and grief: an estimated five million took to Buenos Aires streets in 2022 for the Albiceleste’s third World Cup, and millions also gathered after Diego Maradona died in November 2020. While the stakes are lower than a tournament final, Messi’s retirement has an unmistakable weight. His long climb out of Maradona’s shadow wasn’t guaranteed, despite his dominance, and Argentina’s affection has ultimately endured.