Argentina Fans Stage Farewell for Messi at Buenos Aires Obelisk Before Any Retirement Announcement

Thousands gathered at Buenos Aires' Obelisk after Argentina's 2026 World Cup exit, treating the moment as Lionel Messi's likely farewell despite no formal retirement confirmation. The New York Times (July 20) describes the tournament as "likely" his final World Cup. Fans performed closure on their own terms, occupying a monument historically reserved for celebrations.