Lionel Messi Retires from International Football After Emotional Farewell

Argentina’s captain Lionel Messi ended his international football career on Wednesday after a friendly match against Benin Republic, where Argentina won 3-0. Messi, who is 39 years old, scored one goal and assisted two others in his final game, leaving a remarkable legacy as Argentina’s most-capped player with 208 appearances and 126 goals.

After the match, Messi addressed the crowd of 85,000 fans at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires with an emotional farewell speech. He expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent Argentina for 20 years, stating, “I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt.” He acknowledged the challenges faced throughout his career but emphasized his love for playing for the national team.

Messi reflected on the recent successes of the team, including winning the World Cup and Copa América. He highlighted the importance of teamwork, saying, “To achieve the biggest things, you need a strong group.” He thanked his teammates for their support and dedication, which helped him fulfill his dream of becoming a world champion.

In his speech, Messi also expressed appreciation for the fans who supported the team throughout his career. He noted how the presence of Argentine fans made every match feel like a home game, regardless of the location. Messi urged fans to continue supporting the national team, especially during tough times.

As he concluded, Messi shared his mixed emotions about retiring, stating, “I’m going to miss all of you so much, but I’ll always be on your side.” He expressed pride in being Argentine and left the field feeling grateful and at peace.