Lionel Messi calls time on Argentina career, says not playing will be ‘deeply painful’
Quick Look
Lionel Messi retired from international football after Argentina's 3-0 win over Benin in Buenos Aires, calling it the 'saddest day of my career' and reflecting on his 21-year tenure with the national team.
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Why It Matters
Lionel Messi has played for the Argentina national team for 21 years, making numerous appearances and contributing significantly to the team's successes over his career.
Lionel Messi described his retirement from international football as the “saddest day of my career” on Tuesday in Buenos Aires after playing his final game for Argentina in a 3-0 defeat of Benin.
Messi, who scored a goal and provided two assists in the victory at the Monumental Stadium, took to the field after the win to express gratitude to fans and teammates as he reflected on his 21-year career with Argentina.
“It was a huge source of pride for me to defend this jersey for more than 20 years,” Messi told the crowd. “Even in the worst moments we went through and that I had, I never stopped fighting, never stopped being here.
“Not coming any more is going to be deeply painful. I swear I’d like to play for the rest of my life, because playing for the Argentina national team is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you.”
Open Questions
- Will Messi continue to play at the club level after retiring internationally?
- Who will be named as Messi's successor in the Argentina national team setup?
- What tribute or farewell matches might be organized for Messi in the future?
