Adnkronos (Adnkronos) – There was great emotion last night at the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, where the eyes of the whole world were focused on Lionel Messi's final match with the Argentina national team.
Over 80 fans were in attendance, eager to see the friendly between Argentina and Benin, which they defeated 3-0. The Rosario native lived up to expectations and proved to be the star of the evening.
The captain scored from the penalty spot, provided two assists for Otamendi and Nico Paz and hit the post towards the end.
Then he gave in to emotion. "It was a great source of pride for me to defend this shirt. Not returning will be a great pain," Messi said at the end of the match from the center of the pitch, adding: "Today is the saddest day of my career. Now I will be on your side cheering with you.
When we are united, we are stronger than anyone else. I love you, I will miss you. I am proud to be Argentine and to have achieved my dreams with you."
At 39, Messi says goodbye to the national team after more than 20 years, since his debut was with Hungary in 2005.
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