Lionel Messi bids farewell to Argentina with final goal in friendly
Lionel Messi made his 208th and final appearance for Argentina on Tuesday night, leaving an indelible mark on international football by scoring his 126th and last international goal in a friendly match against Benin, which ended in a 3-0 victory for the Albiceleste in Buenos Aires.
The atmosphere at El Monumental stadium was electric as Messi converted a penalty in the 71st minute, igniting wild celebrations among teammates and fans alike. This match not only marked Messi's farewell but also served as a poignant moment for Nicolas Otamendi, who was also making his final appearance for the national team, and for Nico Paz, the promising young player expected to inherit Messi's iconic number 10 jersey.
In a heartfelt address to the fans after the match, Messi expressed, "It was a source of great pride for me to wear this jersey. I can only express my gratitude... not coming back anymore will be deeply painful." The emotional weight of his departure was further highlighted by a stunning drone show above the stadium, which concluded with the drones forming a profile of Messi's face, a fitting tribute to a player who has become synonymous with Argentine football.
Messi's retirement from international football was officially announced on August 31, following Argentina's narrow defeat to Spain in the World Cup final. He reflected on this decision, stating, "It was a decision which hurts and still hurts but I know it's the right time." His commitment to the national team has been unwavering, as he noted, "I swear that I have always given everything and that I have always fought for this shirt to make you happy and make you proud to be Argentinian through football."
Let's Call It What It Is
The crowning achievement of Messi's international career came in 2022 when he led Argentina to victory in the World Cup, defeating France in a thrilling final that ended 3-3 and was decided by penalties. This triumph was particularly sweet for Messi, who had faced criticism for not replicating his club success with Barcelona on the international stage.
Despite his retirement from international duty, Messi's football journey is far from over. He remains under contract with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Inter Miami until 2028, where he continues to showcase his extraordinary talent. As Messi steps away from the international spotlight, his legacy as one of the greatest players in football history is firmly cemented, leaving fans to reflect on the impact he has had on the sport both in Argentina and around the world.
