Lionel Messi marked his final appearance for Argentina with a goal, two assists and an emotional farewell speech after the 3-0 friendly victory over Benin.
The captain addressed the home supporters after the match, which took place in the early hours of Wednesday, bringing his international playing career in the Argentina shirt to a close.
“I felt a lot of emotions, and the first person I thought about was my father,” Messi said. “It was a great source of pride for me to defend the colours of the national team throughout all these years.”
Messi said he had refused to give up during the most difficult periods of his career and had always wanted to represent his country.
“Even in the hardest moments, I never gave up,” he added. “I always fought and gave everything I had. I always wished I could play for the national team for the rest of my life, because playing for Argentina is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
The 38-year-old said he now felt the time had come to end his playing journey with the national side, while reflecting on the team’s pursuit of the World Cup.
“I feel that the time has come,” Messi said. “The last World Cup affected us deeply, and our dream was to become world champions. We gave everything, fought as we always have, and defended these colours with everything we had.”
Messi also thanked the players who had shared his international career and the supporters who had backed him across the country.
“I want to thank all my team-mates for all the years we spent together,” he said. “They helped me fulfil my childhood dream. I was lucky to play in different parts of the country and to receive everyone’s love from the beginning to the end.”
He then recalled one of the most significant memories of his time with Argentina.
“I experienced one of the best days of my career here, and I will never forget what I lived through that day,” Messi said. “That day is one of the saddest days of my life.”
Although he will no longer play for Argentina, Messi insisted he would remain closely connected to the team and support the next generation.
“I will always be alongside the national team and I will never leave it,” he said. “I will defend its colours from my new position and support these players. When we are united, we are as strong as we can be, and we can overcome every obstacle.”
Praising the group that accompanied him, Messi said difficult moments had revealed the strength of their bond.
“Hard moments are what show the spirit of the group, and that is why this group was exceptional,” he said. “I am grateful to be Argentine, proud to be Argentine, and proud to have achieved these dreams with you.”
He ended his address with a simple message to the supporters: “I am speaking now more than I have ever spoken before. I want to tell you: I love you. I love you.”
