Argentina Fans Honor Messi at Buenos Aires Obelisk Ahead of Expected Retirement

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) called the tournament "likely" his final World Cup. Fans performed closure on their own terms, occupying a monument historically reserved for celebrations.