Lionel Messi bids emotional farewell to Argentina national team
publishers 23articles 24first reported 6 Oct, 10:28 UTCdeveloping since 6 Oct · 9 editions
Lionel Messi made his final appearance for Argentina against Benin at Buenos Aires’ Monumental Stadium on Tuesday, ending a 21-year international career.
The 39-year-old was seen in tears aboard the team bus as it traveled to the stadium, while thousands of supporters lined the route waving Argentine flags and holding banners honoring the longtime captain.
In a post-match speech, Messi thanked the national team and reflected on his two decades representing Argentina. “For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here,” he said.
“Not coming here anymore and no longer being with the Argentina National Team is going to hurt a lot,” Messi added. “If it were up to me, I would love to be here for my entire life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing there is.”
Messi debuted for Argentina in 2005 and entered his farewell match with 207 appearances and 125 international goals. During his career, he helped Argentina win the Copa América in 2021 and 2024, the 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
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