Lionel Messi Says Emotional Goodbye to Argentina National Team After 21 Years

Lionel Messi ended his 21-year international career on Tuesday, saying goodbye to fans in Buenos Aires during an emotional farewell. The 39-year-old football star played his last match for Argentina against Benin, where he scored his 126th international goal, helping Argentina win 3-0 in front of 85,000 supporters.

This match marked Messi’s 208th appearance for the national team, a record. He also assisted the opening goal scored by Nicolas Otamendi. The event was celebrated as ‘The Last Tango,’ allowing Messi to soak in the love from the crowd one last time.

In a heartfelt address after the game, Messi expressed pride in representing Argentina for over 20 years. He said, “Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful,” and added that playing for the national team was the most beautiful experience of his life.

Despite the emotional farewell, Messi stated he had no regrets about retiring. He mentioned the challenges he faced during the last World Cup, which coincided with his father’s illness, as a significant factor in his decision. “Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment,” he said.

Before the match, Messi received an honorary doctorate from the University of Buenos Aires, which he proudly accepted. Fans celebrated his career with a massive flag featuring his image and messages of gratitude.

Messi’s departure comes after leading Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022, ending a 36-year wait for the title. His legacy includes one World Cup win, two runner-up finishes, and two Copa America championships. As he moves on, fans and former teammates, including Neymar, have expressed their gratitude for his contributions to football.