Edward Marchesi Lionel Messi ended his Albiceleste career on a night that will forever remain etched in the memory of Buenos Aires. The beloved team defeated Benin 3-0 in front of more than 80.000 spectators at the historic Monumental stadium . After the final whistle, the number 10 raised his voice, describing it as "a great source of pride " to have worn that shirt for over twenty years.
The farewell match: all the details
The match, considered a farewell to the club, saw Messi play for the entire ninety minutes, once again demonstrating his charismatic presence on the pitch. The three goals, all scored by other players, sealed the victory beyond doubt. The Argentine captain, now 39, concluded his international career with the phrase: " Not coming back will be a great pain ," underscoring the emotional weight of the decision.
The Captain's Words
Post-match, Messi thanked his teammates, staff, and fans, declaring: “ It was a great source of pride for me to defend this shirt .” His humbling speech echoed the words of a national hero who has shared the greatest triumphs, from the 2022 World Cup to his record 125 goals scored for the national team.
Messi's historic journey with the national team
Messi made his official debut for Argentina in 2005, but his first real impact came at the 2006 World Cup, where, at the age of 18, he provided an assist and scored a goal in a 6-0 victory over Serbia and Montenegro. Since then, he has appeared in six World Cups, collecting titles, medals, and accolades, culminating in his epic triumph in the 2022 World Cup.
Key moments and personal records
In addition to his 48 trophies for club and country, Messi holds the record of 125 goals for his country, surpassing many of his predecessors. His fastest international goal was against Hungary, lasting just 43 seconds, demonstrating from a young age the ability to change the course of a match in a flash.
Reactions, future and latest projects
Messi's departure sparked an outpouring of emotion on social media, in the bars of Rosario, and in the hearts of fans everywhere. At the same time, the champion confirmed he will continue playing for Inter Miami in Florida , where he is captain and continues to captivate fans. He also recently acquired the Spanish team Eldense, a sign of a future tied to football even off the pitch.
The legacy of an idol
Messi's memory will remain indelible in Argentina's history, alongside legends like Diego Maradona and El Pibe de Oro . His departure does not mark the end, but the beginning of a new era for the national team, which will need to find new leaders to continue the path blazed by the champion.