Lionel Messi’s retirement match for Argentina set the scene for multiple fans to once again lay claim to the Falkland Islands.In an emotionally-charged match at the Estadio Monumental on Tuesday night, Messi brought the curtain down on a glittering international career.Argentina fans sent a political message during Messi’s farewell match on Tuesday nightAFPThe 39-year-old, who guided Argentina to the World Cup in 2022 and the Copa America in 2021 and 2024, signed off by starring in the 3-0 win over Benin.How did Messi perform in his farewell match?Messi supplied the assists for Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz after the break, before completing the scoring from the penalty spot in the 71st minute.It was the Inter Miami forward’s first outing since Argentina’s defeat to Spain at the 2026 World Cup final, and his first since the passing of his father in August.And just like there had been at the global tournament in North America, banners were held up by fans in the stands to send a political message.What banner did Argentina fans hold up?Multiple banners which read, ‘Las Malvinas son Argentinas,’ which translates to, ‘The Falklands are Argentine,’ were displayed.Believing they have a sovereignty claim over the archipelago instead of the United Kingdom, the dispute was front and centre before and after the World Cup semi-final between England and Argentina.A number of Argentina players held up a banner – the same message which was displayed in stands in Messi’s farewell match – immediately after their 2-1 victory over the Three Lions.It led to the UK government to demand FIFA action, with football’s governing body banning the message which mentions the Falklands due to its political significance.Argentina were ultimately charged by FIFA over the incident, having been found guilty of four different FIFA conduct codes.And in an act of defiance on Tuesday, some Argentina fans continued in their quest to stake their claim for the Falklands, which is located 300 miles to the east of the South American nation.Argentina were charged by FIFA after players held up a banner with the same words at the World CupGettyMessi signed off his Argentina career in style by being directly involved in all three goalsAFPWhat did Messi say in his farewell match?Messi, who failed to hide his tears both before and after the clash against Benin, ends his international career with 126 goals and 69 assists in 208 games. Only his long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed more international caps and goals, with the 41-year-old firing in 146 times in 234 outings for Portugal.Though Ronaldo may have played his last game for the Euro 2016 champions having issued a stinging blast at boss Jorge Jesus on social media.Speaking after the match, Messi, who made his Argentina debut in 2005, delivered an emotional speech on the pitch to his adoring supporters and fans.Putting to bed any talk he could make a U-turn on his retirement decision, he said: “There are so many emotions going through me right now.“I’m surely forgetting many things I would like to say because this is a very difficult moment for me. The first person who comes to my mind is my dad.Messi failed to contain his emotions as his teammates and fans honoured him after his final matchGetty“I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything.”Before adding: “I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt.“For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here.“Not coming here any more and no longer being with the Argentina national team is going to hurt a lot.“If it were up to me, I would love to be here for my entire life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is.“I think I’m talking more than ever today because I simply don’t want this moment to end.Messi’s international career spanned 21 years, with the forward becoming their top scorer and highest appearance makerAFP“But I think the time has come for me to retire. The last World Cup took a lot out of us after everything we went through. We arrived in the final with just enough left in us, but we fought until the very end, like we always did.“We came very close to winning it again, and despite everything that was said about us, nothing strange happened. The match against England took a lot out of us because we gave absolutely everything.“In 2022, we had the dream of fulfilling not only my dream, but the dream of an entire country: becoming world champions again. And we did it.”