Messi, last match with Argentina in Buenos Aires: farewell to the national team

Argentina bid farewell to Lionel Messi with a 3-0 win against Benin in the final match of his international career. The champion finished with two assists and a penalty goal, before becoming emotional in his farewell speech: "Today is the saddest day of my career. I made my dreams come true with you." Thus ends an era that lasted 21 years, with 208 appearances, 126 goals and 67 assists in the Albiceleste shirt

Lionel Messi's last match for Argentina ended with a 3-0 victory against Benin and an evening full of emotions. In front of over 80 thousand spectators in the Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, the number 10 left his mark once again, contributing to all of the Albiceleste's goals.

Two assists and a goal for the perfect farewell

Messi provided the first assist to Nicolas Otamendi, who headed the lead. He then freed Nico Paz, who scored the second goal with a left-footed shot. The Argentine captain himself completed the celebration, converting the penalty to make it 3-0.

The memory of the father and the final emotion

The farewell was made even more touching by the absence of his father Jorge, who passed away last August. At the end of the match Messi couldn't hold back his emotion. "It's difficult to say something today, there are so many emotions. I think of my dad...", he declared. "Thank you, I defended this shirt with great pride. We fought, we gave our all. Playing with the Argentine national team is the best thing that can happen to you."

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Messi, honorary degree before his last match with the national team

"I made my dreams come true"

In his speech, the 2022 world champion highlighted the special bond with the national team. "It has been a great pride for me to defend this shirt for over twenty years. I have made all my dreams come true with you. I have nothing but thanks. Not coming back will be a great pain", said the Argentine champion who leaves the national team at 39.

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Lionel Messi bids farewell to the Argentina national team

An era ends

"Today is the saddest day of my career. Now I will be on your side to cheer with you. When we are united, we are stronger than anyone else. I love you, I will miss you. I am proud to be Argentine and to have made my dreams come true with you." One of the most important chapters in the history of Argentine football closes with the match against Benin. A journey that began 21 years ago and ended with important numbers: 208 appearances, 126 goals and 67 assists with the Albiceleste shirt. But beyond the statistics, there remains the legacy of a champion who brought Argentina back to the top of the world and who leaves the national team amidst applause, tears and gratitude.