Lionel Messi retires from international football

Lionel Messi made his final appearance for the Argentina national team. The end of the footballer’s international career came against Benin, with Argentina securing a 3–0 victory.

Messi marked his farewell in his own style once again — the Argentina captain scored a goal and provided an assist for his teammate.

There was a special atmosphere inside the stadium. The fans chanted Messi’s name and gave him a long standing ovation as they bid farewell to their legendary captain.

For Argentine football, this was more than just saying goodbye to one player. It was the end of an era.

After the match, Messi addressed the fans:

“Today is a particularly emotional day, but the first person I think about is my father.

All I can do is say thank you for this shirt.

For 20 years, even during the most difficult moments, I never stopped fighting, giving everything I had and doing everything possible to always be here, wearing this shirt.

Not being able to come back here with the Argentina national team will be very painful for me… To be honest, I want to be here for the rest of my life.

Playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing there is.

It was a great honour for me to share the pitch with all my teammates and to share life with them off the pitch as well.

We always went onto the pitch believing that we could compete against any team.

Because I knew I had fighters by my side, players who would leave everything on the pitch.

I’m probably forgetting many things I wanted to say, but this is a very difficult moment for me… I will miss playing here very much.

I had the opportunity to play in different cities across Argentina, and everywhere I was welcomed with incredible love.

I am grateful that throughout all these years, wherever we played, the stadiums were always filled with Argentine fans.

Regardless of the importance of the match, they made a huge effort to be there for us. We know how difficult that is… Anywhere in the world, we felt as if we were playing at home. We always felt that support.

There are many people around the world who want to see Argentina fail…

We have to remain united and we must not give them that pleasure.

When we come together and stay united, we are stronger than any opponent.

There will inevitably be difficult moments. What we have achieved in recent years is not something ordinary.

In those difficult moments, as fans, we have to care for and support the team more than ever. To achieve great things, you need a strong and united team.

I’m talking more than I ever have because, to be honest, I don’t want to leave this place.

I love you all and I will miss you very much.

I thank God for making me Argentine. I am very proud to be Argentine and that I was able to fulfil this dream together with you.”

Lionel Messi’s international career

• 🏟️ 208 appearances

• ⚽ 126 goals

• 🎯 67 assists

• 🏆 1 FIFA World Cup

• 🏆 1 Finalissima

• 🏆 2 Copa América titles

Messi leaves the Argentina national team as a world champion and one of the defining figures in the history of the country’s football — ending an extraordinary international journey filled with records, trophies, unforgettable moments and, above all, an unbreakable bond with the Argentine people.