Lionel Messi has delivered an emotional farewell message to Argentina supporters after playing his final match for the national team.
As reported by İdman.Biz, Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in the friendly, with Messi marking his farewell appearance with a goal and two assists.
Speaking after the match, the legendary forward admitted that leaving the national team was one of the most difficult moments of his career.
"Today it is difficult to say anything. There are so many emotions and so many things going through my head. It has been an enormous honor for me to wear this shirt for more than 20 years," Messi said.
The 39-year-old stressed that representing Argentina had always held a special place in his career and that he never stopped fighting for the national team, even during its most difficult periods.
"Not coming back will be a huge pain. I swear I would have liked to come back for the rest of my life because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you," he added.
Messi also thanked his teammates, supporters and family for accompanying him throughout his international career. He highlighted Argentina's recent golden era, during which the team won the 2021 and 2024 Copa America titles, the 2022 Finalissima and, most importantly, the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner described becoming a world champion with Argentina as the fulfillment of a childhood dream and emphasized that the team's unity was one of the main reasons behind its success.
Messi said he would now become a supporter of the national team and urged Argentine fans to stand behind the next generation, particularly during difficult periods.
"I don't want to leave, I don't want to leave the pitch. I just want to tell you that I love you all and I will miss you. I am so grateful to God that I am Argentine, proud to be Argentine and proud that I fulfilled my dreams together with all of you," Messi concluded, according to TyC Sports.
Messi made his senior Argentina debut in 2005 and went on to become the country's record appearance maker and all-time leading goalscorer. His international career was crowned by the World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022, when Argentina defeated France in the final.
