Following his final appearance for Argentina in a 3-0 victory against Benin, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Andrés Messi delivered a deeply poignant farewell address to a capacity crowd at the Estadio Mónumental, reflecting on his 21-year international journey and paying homage to his family, teammates, and supporters.
Taking the microphone amidst emotional scenes involving fans, coaching staff, and teammates, the 39-year-old captain paid tribute first to his late father, Jorge Messi. Messi expressed profound pride in wearing the national jersey for over two decades and praised his squad members as "heroic warriors" who helped fulfill his lifelong dreams—including two Copa América titles, the Finalissima, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy. Reflecting on their high-intensity campaign during the 2026 World Cup and their grueling encounter against England, Messi emphasized that the squad gave every ounce of energy for the nation. Admitting the difficulty of stepping away from the pitch, he offered a strategic warning for the future of Argentine football, calling on supporters and players to remain unified against external detractors during upcoming transition periods. Concluding his speech, Messi reaffirmed his pride as an Argentine, leaving behind an unparalleled international legacy of 126 goals, 69 assists, and 208 caps.
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