On the eve of Lionel Messi’s final game for the Argentina national team, his hometown of Rosario has paid tribute to its greatest footballing icon with a spectacular 30-metre-long Argentina jersey installed at the city’s National Flag Memorial on Monday.
As Rosario prepares to bid farewell to the player who has become synonymous with both the city and Argentine football, the giant jersey serves as a symbolic expression of gratitude for Messi’s extraordinary contribution to the national team.
The installation, set up by German sportswear giant Adidas, features the newly launched Argentina national team jersey created exclusively for Messi’s final international appearance. The shirt carries his iconic No. 10, along with the word “Gracias”, Spanish for “thank you”, making the tribute a fitting salute to the legendary forward.
For Gold 101.3 FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station, Messi’s farewell has become a moment of significance not only for Argentina but for football fans around the world, many of whom have travelled to the country to witness the final chapter of his international career.
The giant jersey, positioned in front of one of Rosario’s most recognisable landmarks, quickly became a focal point for supporters. Fans visiting from different parts of the world were seen taking photographs of the enormous shirt and celebrating the career of the player who grew up in Rosario before becoming one of football’s most decorated stars.
Adidas has a long-standing relationship with Messi, serving as the official jersey sponsor of the Argentina national team as well as his personal sporting partner. The company recently strengthened that association by signing Messi to a lifetime endorsement contract.
The tribute comes as anticipation builds for Messi’s final appearance in the famous Albiceleste colours. The Argentine captain is set to wear the national jersey for one last time on Wednesday, when Argentina face Benin at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
For a player whose international journey has included heartbreak, redemption and historic success, the farewell carries particular significance. Messi eventually led Argentina to Copa America glory and then to the FIFA World Cup title in Qatar, cementing his place among the country’s footballing greats.
Now, as his international career approaches its final whistle, his hometown of Rosario has chosen a fitting message — one giant shirt, one iconic number and a simple word that captures the feelings of millions of Argentine supporters: Gracias, Messi.
