Messi Says Goodbye to Argentina With Gratitude: "It's the Most Beautiful Thing That Can Happen to You"
Lionel Messi closed his historic chapter with Argentina with a goal, two assists and a message filled with gratitude after the 3-0 victory over Benin.
Lionel Messi's story with the Argentina National Team came to an end in special fashion. In front of around 85,000 fans at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, the captain played his final match with La Albiceleste and starred in the 3-0 victory over Benin.
After the match, Messi summed up his emotions by saying that representing his country had been an enormous source of pride and that playing for Argentina "is the most beautiful thing that can happen to you."
The night was built around the legendary No. 10. Messi entered the field accompanied by his sons Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, while a giant jersey featuring the message "Gracias Messi" was part of the tribute prepared at the Monumental.
On the field, the captain also delivered a farewell worthy of his remarkable career.
A Goal and Two Assists in His Final Appearance
After a scoreless first half, Argentina found the breakthrough in the second half. Messi delivered a corner kick that ended with Nicolás Otamendi scoring the opening goal, also in his final appearance for the national team.
Later, the captain assisted Nico Paz, who doubled the lead with a shot from outside the box. The most anticipated moment then arrived from the penalty spot.
Messi stepped up and converted to make it 3-0, reaching 126 goals in an Argentina jersey. It was the final goal of an international career that spanned 21 years.
An Emotional Farewell
The tribute continued after the final whistle. Players from Argentina and Benin formed a line to greet Messi, while a drone show lit up the sky with images celebrating his career and the jerseys he had worn since making his debut in 2005.
That brought an unforgettable era for La Albiceleste to an end. Messi walked away with 126 goals, four titles and one final performance in which he once again proved decisive.
Beyond the numbers, however, his final message was one of gratitude: representing Argentina, he said, had been one of the greatest honors of his life.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi played his final match for Argentina.
- La Albiceleste defeated Benin 3-0 at the Monumental.
- Messi finished his international career with 126 goals.
- The captain scored from the penalty spot and provided assists on the other two goals.
- Messi said playing for the national team was "the most beautiful thing" that could have happened to him.
