On Tuesday night, October 7, 2026, singer Sergio Torres was scheduled to perform at the Estadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires during Lionel Messi’s farewell celebration with the Argentina national team, but the musical presentation was abruptly canceled due to organizational reasons. The Asociación del Fútbol Argentino (AFA) decided to keep the hiring of the vocalist and the band a secret when organizing the tribute for the player known as La Pulga.
Despite the sudden halt that left a surprise cumbia performance unfinished, Torres later took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute, thanking the retiring captain for his 21-year legacy with the Albiceleste. The unexpected disruption brought a sudden end to what was meant to be a high-profile musical finale. Fue un orgullo muy grande defender esta camiseta,
Messi expressed, feeling emotional during his farewell.
Messi Retires as Sound Issues Cut Grupo Cali Performance
- The Event: Lionel Messi marked his official retirement from the Argentina national team after 21 years at the Estadio Más Monumental following a 3-0 victory against Benín.
- The Cancellation: Grupo Cali and Sergio Torres were set to perform their classic track “Amor de chat” to close the evening, but the sound cut out mid-performance due to unforeseen organizational issues. During rehearsals beforehand, they also played “Vino tinto,” but did not get to perform it during the actual show.
- The Aftermath: Although the live stadium show was cut short, Torres and the band released public statements and shared photographs with Messi from inside the stadium backstage.
The Abrupt Halt at the Monumental Stadium
Grupo Cali, founded by accordionist Darío Zanco, was chosen to provide the soundtrack for Messi’s final exit alongside his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children. The artist became one of the favorite performers for the former player of Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
As the players formed a guard of honor, the band began playing “Amor de chat.” However, the music stopped abruptly before the captain could leave the pitch. The artists clarified that the shutdown and suspension were completely out of their hands, stating that the show was stopped due to force majeure and organizational issues. Queremos aclarar que el show fue suspendido por causas de fuerza mayor, pero obviamente seguimos en el vestuario…
the group noted.
Grupo Cali and Sergio Torres Apologize to Disappointed Fans
Following the sudden end to their performance, Grupo Cali and Sergio Torres issued a joint statement to address disappointed fans. The musicians expressed deep apologies to the public, emphasizing that they shared the audience’s enthusiasm before the logistical breakdown occurred. Mil desculpas a todas las personas que estaban esperando este momento,
the artists stated, adding that había mucha ilusión y ganas de que la presentación saliera bien, pero lamentablemente cuestiones relacionadas con la organización hicieron que no pudiera desarrollarse como esperábamos.
They also stated: Esperamos sepan entender que estas cuestiones son ajenas a nosotros. Gracias por comprender y acompañarnos siempre.
The singer thanked the football icon for the opportunity to participate in such a historic night, writing about the emotional impact Messi held for the country over more than two decades. Gracias, Leo, por la oportunidad de cerrar mi show despidiéndote en tu último partido con la Selección Argentina. Un momento que voy a guardar para siempre en mi corazón,
Torres wrote. He continued: Gracias por tantas alegrías, por hacernos tan felices y por llevar nuestra bandera a lo más alto. Nos regalaste sueños, emociones y un orgullo que nunca vamos a olvidar.
Alongside the post, Torres published a photograph of himself with Messi inside an internal area of the Monumental, where the player wore his official AFA training gear.
Timeline of the Santa Fe Cumbia Reunion
The performance also marked a milestone for the genre of Santa Fe cumbia.
| Event Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date of Event | Tuesday, October 7, 2026 |
| Venue | Estadio Más Monumental, Buenos Aires |
| Key Artists | Sergio Torres, Grupo Cali (Darío Zanco) |
| Match Context | Argentina vs. Benín (3-0 victory) |
