HighLights
  1. Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career.
  2. The Argentina captain delivered an emotional message to the supporters.
  3. Fans and supporters all over the world reacted to his emotional farewell speech.

Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell had everything the football world expected from one of the greatest players of all time. It was an emotional farewell, in a packed Monumental Stadium as Argentina captain scored his final goal for his nation.

Messi brought the curtain down on his 21-year international career as Argentina defeated Benin 3-0 in Buenos Aires. The 39-year-old scored from the penalty spot and also provided two assists as the reigning world champions gave their legendary No. 10 the perfect send-off. 

The moment Messi found the net was particularly special. After Nicolas Otamendi and Nico Paz had put Argentina in control, Messi stepped up to take a penalty and calmly converted it to complete the 3-0 victory.

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It was his 126th international goal and the final goal of his Argentina career in front of the home supporters.

Watch: Lionel Messi's Farewell Speech

After the final whistle, the focus shifted from the match to Messi himself.

The Argentina captain delivered an emotional message to the supporters, reflecting on the difficult moments, his pride in representing the national team and the significance of the famous blue-and-white shirt.

Messi said, “I leave in peace. I gave everything.”

He added, “This shirt was my dream, my pride and my life. Thank you for loving me so much. I will miss you.”

The full farewell message has quickly become one of the most emotional moments surrounding Messi's retirement from international football.

Messi Addresses World Cup Controversy

Messi's farewell also comes after a difficult period for Argentina. His international retirement follows the 2026 World Cup final defeat to Spain, bringing an end to his extraordinary journey with the national team. 

In his message, Messi also urged Argentina to remain united during difficult times.

“Tough times are coming, because not everything we've achieved has been easy. That's when we have to stay united more than ever.”

The Argentina captain also referred to those who want to see the national team struggle. “There are a lot of people who want the Argentine National Team to do poorly, and we can't give them the satisfaction,” he stated.

His comments have added another layer to an already emotional farewell, particularly after the controversy and disappointment surrounding Argentina's World Cup campaign.

Messi's Final Goal For Argentina

There could hardly have been a more better ending for Messi.

The forward had already created opportunities and contributed to Argentina's first two goals before getting his own moment on the scoresheet. When the penalty was awarded, the Monumental knew exactly what was coming.

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Messi stepped forward, converted the spot-kick and celebrated with his teammates as they formed a circle around their captain.

The goal took him to 126 for Argentina, while the victory marked his final appearance for the national team. 

The Monumental had also stopped the match in the 10th minute for a special tribute to Messi, with more than 85,000 supporters giving the Argentina No. 10 a prolonged standing ovation. 

Fans and supporters all over the world reacted to his emotional farewell speech, and the whole football world stopped to admire the legend. Watching Lionel Messi was always a pleasure to the eyes, and Argentina created a legacy under the Barcelona superstar.

The story of Lionel Messi will surely be written in the history books, and fans will cherish each and every moment for their lives.


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