Messi spoke about the feelings of saying goodbye to the Argentina national team

Footballer Lionel Messi spoke about the feelings of saying goodbye to the Argentina national team. His words are quoted by TyC Sports.

“It has been a great honor for me to wear this jersey for over 20 years. Even in the toughest times, I never stopped fighting. Parting with the team will cause me deep pain. “I would like to come here all my life, because playing for Argentina is the best thing that can happen,” Messi said.

In his farewell speech, the 39-year-old striker mentioned his father who passed away after the 2026 World Cup. “Today it’s hard to say anything: I’m overwhelmed with emotions, there are so many thoughts in my head. My father is the first person I think about. All I can do is express my gratitude, as I already did in my farewell letter,” Messi said.

The player played his farewell match for the Argentina national team against the Benin team. He scored in the 71st minute, his 126th goal for the national team. Messi has played for the national team since 2005. The footballer is the 2022 world champion and winner of two America's Cups.

Messi announced his retirement from the Argentina national team on August 31. The 39-year-old footballer called the decision painful.