Lionel Messi declared himself "grateful and proud to be an Argentine" as he officially bid farewell to the national team on Tuesday, playing his final-ever game for the Albiceleste in a 3-0 victory over Benin in an international friendly match.
Scoring one goal and providing an assist at a packed and emotionally charged Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, the legendary Argentine forward once again proved that he still possesses the technical ability and competitive edge required to play at the highest level for his country. However, following the final whistle, the iconic captain shared deeply personal and physical reasons behind his monumental decision to hang up his international boots.
Addressing the adoring tens of thousands of fans who packed the stadium, Messi admitted that the gravity of the occasion made it exceptionally difficult to find the right words. He revealed that his very first thought upon stepping onto the pitch for the final time was of his father, who passed away recently on August 8. The emotional weight of his recent personal loss, combined with the grueling physical and mental demands of years at the pinnacle of international football, ultimately shaped his decision to step aside.
The farewell ceremony featured a dazzling drone light show that illuminated the Buenos Aires night sky with breathtaking images celebrating milestone moments from his illustrious career. Renowned Argentine folklore singer Soledad Pastorutti also took the stage to dedicate a moving musical tribute to the departing captain, leaving few dry eyes in the stands.
"It’s very hard to say anything today," Messi told the crowd, grasping the microphone as chants of adoration echoed from every corner of the stadium. "It’s going to be very painful not to play for Argentina anymore. I swear to you I’d like to come here all my life. Playing for Argentina was the most beautiful thing that ever happened to me."
Reflecting on the grueling road that led to this final appearance, Messi candidly noted that the prospect of playing in the 2026 World Cup felt "too much" for all that he had "to go through" physically and mentally in recent years. He specifically pointed to the intense emotional toll of their recent fixtures, mentioning that the hard-fought match against England had been particularly draining on the entire squad. His mention of the England game immediately sparked a roaring response from the terraces, where supporters launched into the classic, defiant chant of "If you don’t jump, you’re an Englishman," with even members of the Argentina national squad joining in and jumping alongside their captain on the pitch.
Looking back on the highs and lows of his storied international career, Messi reflected on the team’s relentless competitive spirit, particularly in the dramatic final of their most recent global campaign, where the Albiceleste ultimately fell short against a formidable Spain side. He lamented the fact that the team was unable to successfully defend their crown and repeat as world champions, but emphasized that they left nothing on the table.
"I want to thank my teammates, who helped me fulfill the dream of becoming a World Cup winner," Messi said to the crowd, acknowledging the collective effort that defined his era with the national team. "We competed against anyone because we left our lives on the pitch."
The bond between Messi and the Argentine public has always been profound, and the forward made sure to express his deep appreciation for the unwavering support he has received throughout his decades-long journey with the national side. He told the fans that he is going to "miss them a lot," reflecting on the countless journeys he took across the vast South American nation during his career.
"I was lucky enough to travel around the country, because we’ve played everywhere, and I was always met with a lot of warmth," he said, visibly moved by the reception. "I’m incredibly grateful for all that I got to live through."
Messi also took a moment to recognize the financial sacrifices made by ordinary citizens to support the team, thanking the fans for consistently selling out stadiums regardless of the economic cost it entails for families. He noted that because of this incredible backing, the Argentina squad always felt "like we were playing at home, everywhere" they traveled around the globe.
"In this stadium I got to live one of the happiest moments in my career, coming home after winning the World Cup," Messi reflected, recalling the euphoric celebrations that followed their historic triumph in Qatar. "Now it’s the saddest day in my career. I’m going to miss wearing Argentina’s colors. Now I’ll be in the stands, supporting this team and everyone who comes after."
Offering words of wisdom and encouragement for the future of Argentine football, Messi stressed that the national team is "stronger than anyone" when players, staff, and supporters remain united. He acknowledged that difficult times inevitably lie ahead for the squad because "the team can’t always win," warning that fans must remain "more united than ever" because "there are folks who want the national team to struggle."
Concluding his heartfelt farewell speech, Messi delivered a final message to the millions watching in the stadium and around the world. "I love you, and I’ll miss you," he said. "I’m grateful for being an Argentine, proud to be an Argentine, and to have fulfilled our dream together."
As the ceremony drew to a close, the legendary number 10 took one final, slow lap around the Monumental Stadium, soaking in the applause, cheers, and tears of a nation that adopted him as its favorite son. He finally departed the pitch flanked by his three sons, passing through a respectful guard of honor formed by his tearful Argentina teammates, bringing a definitive and emotional end to one of the greatest international careers in the history of football.
