Lionel Messi has brought his remarkable Argentina career to a close, admitting that walking away from the national team was an emotional experience unlike any other in his football journey.
The Argentina captain featured for the final time on Tuesday as his side defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental Stadium. Messi marked the occasion with a goal and two assists before remaining on the pitch to speak to supporters and his fellow players.
After 21 years in the national colours, the veteran forward reflected on the significance of representing Argentina and the difficult moments he endured along the way.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told the stadium.
“Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.
“Not coming anymore is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The Monumental held additional meaning for Messi, having hosted Argentina’s first outing after their 2022 World Cup success.
However, the occasion also became the setting for his final farewell to the national team, leaving the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner visibly emotional.
“Now I’m here on the saddest day of my career, which is the day I have to say goodbye to the national team, goodbye to all of you.
“But now I’ll be on that side (with the fans), supporting all the boys, everyone who comes in. Always united,” he said.
Messi also explained why he believes this is the appropriate point to step away, despite his continued desire to represent Argentina.
The forward pointed to the physical and psychological demands of the most recent World Cup campaign, during which Argentina progressed to the final before Spain claimed the title.
He recalled the demanding run, particularly the semi-final victory over England, and how much the tournament ultimately drained the squad.
“Even though I want to be here all my life, I feel that this is the moment. The last World Cup was too much, everything I had to live through,” said Messi.
“We had the dream of fulfilling my dream and the dream of the whole country, of becoming world champions again.
“In the last World Cup we were very close, and the reality is that nothing strange happened, as people say. The match against England took a huge toll on us physically, and emotionally it was very big.
“We arrived with just enough, we fought like we always did with this jersey, with all the teammates I got to be with and share things with, not only them but also those who were around in the time when we managed to win. We were very close.”
