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Messi Scores, Assists in Emotional Farewell for Argentina
Confirmed
In Short: Lionel Messi delivered a heartfelt farewell speech after scoring a goal and providing two assists in his final match for Argentina, a 3-0 victory over Benin.
The match, played at El Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, was a poignant moment for Messi, who has worn the blue and white jersey for 20 years.
Messi, who is 39, said he would miss playing for his country but emphasized that he would always support Argentina's future players.
"There are so many emotions today, but the first person I think about is my father," Messi said, visibly emotional during his speech.
"Not being with Argentina anymore will hurt a lot," he added, expressing his deep connection to the national team.
Messi's career with Argentina is marked by numerous achievements, including winning the World Cup and the Copa América, as well as scoring 126 international goals.
"I have nothing left to do but thank this shirt. For 20 years, even through the worst moments, I never stopped fighting, pushing forward, giving everything I had and wanting to be here," Messi said.
The match was filled with tributes to Messi, including a special drone show highlighting his achievements and a performance by singer Soledad Pastorutti.
"I leave grateful, proud and at peace. Thank you for everything," Messi concluded his speech.
The emotional farewell was witnessed by fans, teammates, and his family, who were moved by the moment.
Messi's final performance included an assist to Nicolas Otamendi in the 48th minute, capping his career as the second-highest international goal scorer and the most assists provider.
"I think I’m talking more than ever today because I simply don’t want this moment to end," Messi said, reflecting on the significance of the occasion.
What this adds
The sources have not established the exact details of Messi's future plans beyond his retirement from the national team.
The emotional farewell was marked by a series of tributes and performances, but the specific content of Messi's farewell speech was not fully detailed in the reports.
What's confirmed
- “There are so many emotions today, but the first person I think about is my father," Messi said.
What's still developing
- When saying farewell to the national team, Messi found it difficult to put into words what it had meant to him to play for Argentina.
- Although he has been wearing the well-known blue and white jersey for 20 years, he admitted that no longer being part of the team will cause him pain, while making it clear that, if he could choose, he would never have decided to stop playing for his country.
- “We won the World Cup, the Copa América, the Finalissima… I’m incredibly grateful for everything, but this journey wasn’t only about 2022 or this last World Cup. So many teammates fought alongside me for this shirt long before we finally became world champions. Never doubt how much every one of them fought and gave for Argentina. Every time we stepped onto the pitch, I knew we could compete against anyone. I felt I had warriors beside me who were willing to leave absolutely everything out there. I’m going to miss all of you so much, but I’ll always be on your side. I’ll be supporting these boys and everyone who comes after them," he said.
- Although it was a significant night for him, Messi remained focused on the game and helped Argentina to win 3-0.
- He concluded with 126 international goals, though his heritage for Argentina extends far beyond statistics.
- He said: He claimed he didn't want to leave and added : Messi was then embraced by his teammates, after which the whole squad took a lap of honor around the stadium, marking the end of a legendary career.
- Lionel Messi took the stage after Argentina's win over Benin in his last-ever game for the national team.
- Brazil legend Ronaldinho has paid tribute to the Argentina icon following his retirement.
- Hours before Messi's farewell game for La Albiceleste, Ronaldinho took to his social media pages to hail La Pulga.
- Messi had one final chapter of gilded magic left in his boots Tuesday night.
- The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Argentina received a raucous applause in the 10th minute, the number that glittered on the back of his shirt, as it did in another era with Diego Maradona.
- After the World Cup dream eluded him on four occasions in 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018, Messi and Co.