In a Night of Tears and Victory... Messi Bids Farewell to Argentina with a 'Historic Performance'
Lionel Messi announces his international retirement after Argentina's 3-0 victory over Benin in a farewell match.
Translated by Qiyas from الأنباء — Original source
Argentine national team captain and football star Lionel Messi ended his international career with his country in the most fitting manner, in his final match wearing the Albiceleste jersey against Benin, which ended in a 3-0 victory. Messi scored one goal and provided two assists in front of a crowd that had gathered specifically to bid him farewell at the Monumental Stadium, with attendance exceeding 85,000 spectators.
Messi’s images fluttered in the stands, and a giant banner bearing his name and number 10 was displayed, while fireworks illuminated the stadium sky on a night the Argentine Football Association dubbed “The Last Tango.”
Messi’s family was present at the farewell event, and the Argentine captain entered the pitch accompanied by his sons, overcome with emotion and shedding tears. In the 10th minute of the match, play was halted, and the crowd stood to applaud Messi, a symbolic gesture honoring the number that defined his entire international career.
Messi described the day as “the least happy day of my life.”
Speaking to the fans after the match, he said, “It’s difficult for me to say anything tonight. I have so many emotions, and the first thing I think of is my father. Thank you very much; it has been an honor to wear the national team jersey for so many years.”
He added, “Even in difficult moments, I never gave up and gave everything I had, always trying. Today, I feel very sad. Wearing the Argentine national team jersey is the most beautiful thing in my life.”
He continued, “I thank all my teammates for all the time we spent together and who helped make my dream of winning the World Cup and Copa América come true. It was an honor for me to share the locker room with them, and I knew I had fighters who sacrificed everything and their lives to win.”
Messi had decided to end his international career with Argentina following the loss in the World Cup final to Spain, officially announcing his retirement on August 31. This marked the end of a glittering career spanning more than two decades, during which he played 208 international matches and became the all-time top scorer for the Albiceleste with 126 goals.
