Lionel Messi will say goodbye to the Argentina national team in a friendly against Benin at the Monumental in the early hours of Wednesday, with tributes pouring in for the Albicelesti’s all-time leading scorer.
Among the many farewell messages shared on social media, his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, highlighted one video in particular. She appeared visibly moved by the tribute, posting it on her Instagram story alongside three crying-face emojis.
The video, published by the Argentine Football Association, brought together some of Messi’s most memorable moments in an Argentina shirt. A voiceover reflected on his influence both on and off the pitch.
“The story goes that a child was born in Rosario and came to change our lives,” the narrator said. “Not only because of 125 goals, or the magic of those free-kicks. There was something better, something no newspaper ever documented.
“It was better than my Copa America titles, even better than the World Cup in Qatar. Leo, do you know why you are the best in the world? Because over these 22 years, you made us better.
“Better parents, better children and better life partners. Without realising it, while we were cheering your goals and repeating that you were the greatest of all time, you were also making us better. That in itself is another title.”
The tribute then focused on Messi’s family and his resilience during Argentina’s difficult periods.
“You made us better grandchildren through everything you gave your grandmother,” it continued. “You made us better at facing adversity because, despite everything you went through, you took us to another World Cup final. Imagine if that does not make us better.
“You made us better with just a few words when you corrected history in front of the whole world, when you went to sleep embracing that trophy, because you taught us that there is still time to dream.”
The video concluded with a message of thanks to the 2022 World Cup winner.
“Thank you, Leo. Thank you for the titles and the goals, but your legacy goes far beyond that,” the narrator said. “When we are asked what Leo Messi means to us, do you know what we will say? The best of all time, because he made us all better.”
The farewell celebrations will continue at the Monumental, where artists will perform before Messi takes part in the match with Argentina team-mates who shared his greatest victories and players who are expected to follow in his footsteps with the national side.
It will be Messi’s final minutes in an Argentina shirt as part of the planned tribute.
